Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industry, prepared animal feed, including oilcake and other solid residues from oilseed extraction, cereal processing by-products, meat and bone meal, etc. These goods are mostly used as animal feed ingredients or fertilizers, but care must be taken to distinguish them from oilseeds of Chapter 12 and fertilizers of Chapter 31. The core of this chapter is 'processing residues' rather than primary agricultural products. Heading 2306 specifically covers oilcake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of oil from oilseeds or oleaginous fruits of Chapter 12, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. It includes cottonseed meal, soybean meal, peanut meal, sunflower seed meal, etc. But does it exclude soybean oil extraction residues of heading 23.04? Note: 2304 is soybean oil extraction residues, 2306 is other oilseed meals. First 2 digits 23 = residues and waste from the food industry, prepared animal feed. Digits 3-4: 06 = oilcake and other solid residues from the extraction of oil from oilseeds or oleaginous fruits, other than those of heading 2304 or 2305. Digits 5-6: 10 = cottonseed meal, i.e., subheading 2306.10, specifically referring to solid residues from cottonseed after oil extraction. If it is residue from cottonseed oil extraction, it is still classified here. Note: 2306.10 refers only to cottonseed meal; other oilseed meals are classified under 2306.20-2306.90 respectively. Cottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed oil extraction, meeting the definition of 2306 'residues from oilseed extraction'. It is not classified under 1207 (cottonseeds) because it has been processed; not under 2304 (soybean meal) because the raw material is different; not under 2309 (prepared feed) because it is not mixed and not in retail packaging.
Chapter
Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industry, prepared animal feed, including oilcake and other solid residues from oilseed extraction, cereal processing by-products, meat and bone meal, etc. These goods are mostly used as animal feed ingredients or fertilizers, but care must be taken to distinguish them from oilseeds of Chapter 12 and fertilizers of Chapter 31. The core of this chapter is 'processing residues' rather than primary agricultural products.
Heading
Heading 2306 specifically covers oilcake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of oil from oilseeds or oleaginous fruits of Chapter 12, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. It includes cottonseed meal, soybean meal, peanut meal, sunflower seed meal, etc. But does it exclude soybean oil extraction residues of heading 23.04? Note: 2304 is soybean oil extraction residues, 2306 is other oilseed meals.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 23 = residues and waste from the food industry, prepared animal feed. Digits 3-4: 06 = oilcake and other solid residues from the extraction of oil from oilseeds or oleaginous fruits, other than those of heading 2304 or 2305. Digits 5-6: 10 = cottonseed meal, i.e., subheading 2306.10, specifically referring to solid residues from cottonseed after oil extraction. If it is residue from cottonseed oil extraction, it is still classified here. Note: 2306.10 refers only to cottonseed meal; other oilseed meals are classified under 2306.20-2306.90 respectively.
Classification Basis
Cottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed oil extraction, meeting the definition of 2306 'residues from oilseed extraction'. It is not classified under 1207 (cottonseeds) because it has been processed; not under 2304 (soybean meal) because the raw material is different; not under 2309 (prepared feed) because it is not mixed and not in retail packaging.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the specific commodity name, such as 'cottonseed meal' or 'cottonseed cake meal'; do not write 'feed' in general terms. Ingredient content: Declare main components such as protein, fat, fiber, moisture, free gossypol content, etc.; test reports must be provided. Processing method: Explain the oil extraction process, such as pressing or solvent extraction, and whether degossypolization, pelletizing, etc. have been carried out. Appearance: Describe color, shape, and whether pelletized, such as 'yellow-brown powder' or 'brown pellets'. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method and weight per package, such as '50kg/bag' or 'bulk'. Use: Explain the main use, such as 'raw material for ruminant feed' or 'organic fertilizer'. Brand or manufacturer: If there is a brand or manufacturer name, it must be declared for traceability. Whether GMO: Declare whether it contains genetically modified components; relevant certificates must be provided. Product name: cottonseed meal; Ingredient content: crude protein 42%, crude fat 1.5%, crude fiber 13%, moisture 10%, free gossypol ≤0.04%; Processing method: solvent extraction followed by degossypolization, not pelletized; Appearance: yellow-brown powder; Packaging specifications: 50kg/bag; Use: raw material for ruminant feed; Brand: XX brand; Whether GMO: non-GMO. Failure to declare free gossypol content, leading to determination of toxic substance exceeding standards. Confusing cottonseed meal with cottonseed cake; the two have different processing techniques but are classified under the same code, so accurate description is required. Ignoring GMO declaration, which may violate entry quarantine requirements.
Product name
Declare the specific commodity name, such as 'cottonseed meal' or 'cottonseed cake meal'; do not write 'feed' in general terms.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing 'cottonseed powder' or 'cotton meal feed', leading to classification disputes.
Ingredient content
Declare main components such as protein, fat, fiber, moisture, free gossypol content, etc.; test reports must be provided.
⚠️ Only writing 'crude protein ≥40%', ignoring key indicators such as gossypol.
Processing method
Explain the oil extraction process, such as pressing or solvent extraction, and whether degossypolization, pelletizing, etc. have been carried out.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether degossypolization was performed, affecting use and classification.
Appearance
Describe color, shape, and whether pelletized, such as 'yellow-brown powder' or 'brown pellets'.
⚠️ Writing 'feed-like' is too vague; it should be described specifically.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging method and weight per package, such as '50kg/bag' or 'bulk'.
⚠️ Writing 'large packaging' without providing specific weight.
Use
Explain the main use, such as 'raw material for ruminant feed' or 'organic fertilizer'.
⚠️ Writing 'feed' without distinguishing animal species, which may affect supervision.
Brand or manufacturer
If there is a brand or manufacturer name, it must be declared for traceability.
⚠️ Leaving blank or writing 'none', but actually having a brand not declared.
Whether GMO
Declare whether it contains genetically modified components; relevant certificates must be provided.
⚠️ Failing to declare GMO, leading to quarantine issues.
Example： Product name: cottonseed meal; Ingredient content: crude protein 42%, crude fat 1.5%, crude fiber 13%, moisture 10%, free gossypol ≤0.04%; Processing method: solvent extraction followed by degossypolization, not pelletized; Appearance: yellow-brown powder; Packaging specifications: 50kg/bag; Use: raw material for ruminant feed; Brand: XX brand; Whether GMO: non-GMO.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to declare free gossypol content, leading to determination of toxic substance exceeding standards.
Confusing cottonseed meal with cottonseed cake; the two have different processing techniques but are classified under the same code, so accurate description is required.
Ignoring GMO declaration, which may violate entry quarantine requirements.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: the product must be solid residue from cottonseed oil extraction and not further mixed or prepared into feed. If other ingredients are added or it is made into retail-packaged feed, it should be classified under 2309. If the cottonseed has not been oil-extracted, it is classified under 1207. If it is cottonseed oil, it is classified under 1512. 2304 Soybean meal: Soybean meal is residue from soybean oil extraction, classified under 2304; cottonseed meal is classified under 2306, with a different raw material. 2305 Peanut meal: Peanut meal is classified under 2305; cottonseed meal is classified under 2306, with different subheadings. 1207 Cottonseeds: Cottonseeds are oilseeds that have not been oil-extracted, classified under 1207; residues after oil extraction are classified under 2306. 2309 Prepared feed: 2309 is mixed or prepared animal feed; cottonseed meal, if not mixed, is classified under 2306. 1512 Cottonseed oil: Cottonseed oil is oil/fat, classified under 1512; cottonseed meal is residue, classified under 2306. Confirm whether the product is residue from cottonseed oil extraction. Check whether it has undergone degossypolization or other chemical treatment. Confirm whether it is mixed with other substances or made into retail packaging. Verify whether the ingredient content matches the characteristics of cottonseed meal. Confirm whether it is GMO and prepare relevant certificates.
Basis
Core basis for classification: the product must be solid residue from cottonseed oil extraction and not further mixed or prepared into feed. If other ingredients are added or it is made into retail-packaged feed, it should be classified under 2309. If the cottonseed has not been oil-extracted, it is classified under 1207. If it is cottonseed oil, it is classified under 1512.
Confused Codes：
2304 - Soybean meal
Soybean meal is residue from soybean oil extraction, classified under 2304; cottonseed meal is classified under 2306, with a different raw material.
2305 - Peanut meal
Peanut meal is classified under 2305; cottonseed meal is classified under 2306, with different subheadings.
1207 - Cottonseeds
Cottonseeds are oilseeds that have not been oil-extracted, classified under 1207; residues after oil extraction are classified under 2306.
2309 - Prepared feed
2309 is mixed or prepared animal feed; cottonseed meal, if not mixed, is classified under 2306.
1512 - Cottonseed oil
Cottonseed oil is oil/fat, classified under 1512; cottonseed meal is residue, classified under 2306.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the product is residue from cottonseed oil extraction.
✓ Check whether it has undergone degossypolization or other chemical treatment.
✓ Confirm whether it is mixed with other substances or made into retail packaging.
✓ Verify whether the ingredient content matches the characteristics of cottonseed meal.
✓ Confirm whether it is GMO and prepare relevant certificates.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between cottonseed meal and cottonseed cake? Are the HS codes the same? Both cottonseed meal and cottonseed cake are residues from cottonseed oil extraction. The difference lies in the processing method: cake usually refers to block-like residue obtained by pressing, while meal refers to powdery residue obtained by solvent extraction. Both are classified under HS code 2306.10, but the processing method must be truthfully described at declaration. How can I check the import tariff rate for cottonseed meal? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window', or consult a professional customs broker. Note the differences between MFN rate, general rate, agreement rate, etc. What regulatory documents are required for importing cottonseed meal? Usually a permit for entry animal and plant quarantine, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, GMO certificate (if applicable), etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to the latest customs requirements; it is recommended to consult customs or an agent in advance. What are the consequences if free gossypol in cottonseed meal exceeds the standard? Free gossypol is toxic to animals, and imports must meet China's limit standards. Exceeding the standard may result in return or destruction. A test report should be provided at declaration to ensure compliance with GB 13078 feed hygiene standard. Can cottonseed meal be classified under 2309? If cottonseed meal is not mixed and is only used as a single feed ingredient, it should be classified under 2306. If it is mixed with other ingredients to make compound feed, or made into retail-packaged pet food, it is classified under 2309. How should 'processing method' be filled in the declaration elements for cottonseed meal? The oil extraction process should be described in detail, such as 'solvent extraction' or 'pressing', and whether degossypolization, pelletizing, etc. have been carried out. For example, 'solvent extraction followed by degossypolization, not pelletized'. This helps customs classify accurately. Is the HS code the same for importing cottonseed meal from the United States? The first 6 digits of the HS code, 2306.10, are internationally uniform, but the latter digits may differ by country. The United States uses HTS 2306.10.00 for export, while China uses 2306.10.00.00 for import declaration. Attention should be paid to slight differences in the codes of the two countries. What is the difference in HS codes between cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal? Cottonseed meal is classified under 2306.10, while rapeseed meal is classified under 2306.40 (low erucic acid) or 2306.41 (other). Both belong to 2306 but have different subheadings; the raw materials must be accurately distinguished at declaration.
Q: What is the difference between cottonseed meal and cottonseed cake? Are the HS codes the same?
A: Both cottonseed meal and cottonseed cake are residues from cottonseed oil extraction. The difference lies in the processing method: cake usually refers to block-like residue obtained by pressing, while meal refers to powdery residue obtained by solvent extraction. Both are classified under HS code 2306.10, but the processing method must be truthfully described at declaration.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for cottonseed meal?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window', or consult a professional customs broker. Note the differences between MFN rate, general rate, agreement rate, etc.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing cottonseed meal?
A: Usually a permit for entry animal and plant quarantine, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, GMO certificate (if applicable), etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to the latest customs requirements; it is recommended to consult customs or an agent in advance.
Q: What are the consequences if free gossypol in cottonseed meal exceeds the standard?
A: Free gossypol is toxic to animals, and imports must meet China's limit standards. Exceeding the standard may result in return or destruction. A test report should be provided at declaration to ensure compliance with GB 13078 feed hygiene standard.
Q: Can cottonseed meal be classified under 2309?
A: If cottonseed meal is not mixed and is only used as a single feed ingredient, it should be classified under 2306. If it is mixed with other ingredients to make compound feed, or made into retail-packaged pet food, it is classified under 2309.
Q: How should 'processing method' be filled in the declaration elements for cottonseed meal?
A: The oil extraction process should be described in detail, such as 'solvent extraction' or 'pressing', and whether degossypolization, pelletizing, etc. have been carried out. For example, 'solvent extraction followed by degossypolization, not pelletized'. This helps customs classify accurately.
Q: Is the HS code the same for importing cottonseed meal from the United States?
A: The first 6 digits of the HS code, 2306.10, are internationally uniform, but the latter digits may differ by country. The United States uses HTS 2306.10.00 for export, while China uses 2306.10.00.00 for import declaration. Attention should be paid to slight differences in the codes of the two countries.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal?
A: Cottonseed meal is classified under 2306.10, while rapeseed meal is classified under 2306.40 (low erucic acid) or 2306.41 (other). Both belong to 2306 but have different subheadings; the raw materials must be accurately distinguished at declaration.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.