Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal feed. This chapter includes oilseed meal after oil extraction, cereal processing by-products, sugar residues, brewing residues, etc., but excludes single chemical substances or unprocessed plant materials used for animal feed. The core characteristic is that these products are mainly used as animal feed rather than for human consumption. Heading 2306 specifically covers oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils from oil seeds or oleaginous fruits other than those of heading 2304 or 2305, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. It includes sunflower seed meal, cottonseed meal, peanut meal, linseed meal, etc. However, coconut meal, palm kernel meal, etc. are classified under 2306, while soybean meal is classified under 2304. First 2 digits 23: Chapter 23, residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal feed. Digits 3-4, 06: Heading 2306, oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils from other oil seeds or oleaginous fruits. Digits 5-6, 30: Subheading 230630, specifically referring to meal from the extraction of oil from sunflower seeds, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. This subheading is one of the second-level subheadings under 2306 divided by oilseed type, specifically for sunflower seeds. Sunflower seed meal is the solid residue remaining after pressing or solvent extraction of oil from sunflower seeds, meeting the definition of 2306 'residues from oil extraction of oil seeds.' It is not classified under 2304 (soybean meal) or 2305 (peanut meal) because the raw materials differ; not under 1214 (plant products for feed) because it has already been oil-extracted and processed; not under 2309 (prepared feed) because it is not mixed with other substances.
Chapter
Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal feed. This chapter includes oilseed meal after oil extraction, cereal processing by-products, sugar residues, brewing residues, etc., but excludes single chemical substances or unprocessed plant materials used for animal feed. The core characteristic is that these products are mainly used as animal feed rather than for human consumption.
Heading
Heading 2306 specifically covers oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils from oil seeds or oleaginous fruits other than those of heading 2304 or 2305, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. It includes sunflower seed meal, cottonseed meal, peanut meal, linseed meal, etc. However, coconut meal, palm kernel meal, etc. are classified under 2306, while soybean meal is classified under 2304.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 23: Chapter 23, residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal feed. Digits 3-4, 06: Heading 2306, oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils from other oil seeds or oleaginous fruits. Digits 5-6, 30: Subheading 230630, specifically referring to meal from the extraction of oil from sunflower seeds, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. This subheading is one of the second-level subheadings under 2306 divided by oilseed type, specifically for sunflower seeds.
Classification Basis
Sunflower seed meal is the solid residue remaining after pressing or solvent extraction of oil from sunflower seeds, meeting the definition of 2306 'residues from oil extraction of oil seeds.' It is not classified under 2304 (soybean meal) or 2305 (peanut meal) because the raw materials differ; not under 1214 (plant products for feed) because it has already been oil-extracted and processed; not under 2309 (prepared feed) because it is not mixed with other substances.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should use the standard Chinese product name 'sunflower seed meal,' and may include usage descriptions such as 'for feed.' Raw material: Indicate that the raw material for producing the meal is sunflower seeds, and whether they are in-shell, e.g., 'sunflower seeds (in-shell).' Processing method: Describe the oil extraction process, such as 'pressing,' 'solvent extraction,' or 'pre-pressing followed by solvent extraction.' Protein content: The crude protein content of the declared product (on a dry basis), usually expressed as a percentage. Fat content: The residual oil content of the declared product, i.e., the remaining fat content after oil extraction, expressed as a percentage. Whether in the form of pellets: Indicate whether the product has been pelletized, such as 'not in the form of pellets' or 'in the form of pellets.' Use: Indicate the main use, such as 'for animal feed,' and it must not be for human consumption. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none.' Product name: sunflower seed meal; Raw material: sunflower seeds (in-shell); Processing method: pre-pressing followed by solvent extraction; Protein content: 32%; Fat content: 1.5%; Whether in the form of pellets: not in the form of pellets; Use: for animal feed; Brand: none. Confusing sunflower seed meal with sunflower seed cake; the latter may not have been fully oil-extracted, but both are classified under 230630. Failing to declare protein and fat content, affecting customs determination of the product's nature. Incorrectly declaring as for food, leading to classification errors and non-compliance with regulatory conditions.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should use the standard Chinese product name 'sunflower seed meal,' and may include usage descriptions such as 'for feed.'
⚠️ Incorrectly written as 'sunflower seed cake,' 'sunflower seed powder,' or 'helianthus meal.'
Raw material
Indicate that the raw material for producing the meal is sunflower seeds, and whether they are in-shell, e.g., 'sunflower seeds (in-shell).'
⚠️ Only writing 'oil seeds' without specifying sunflower seeds.
Processing method
Describe the oil extraction process, such as 'pressing,' 'solvent extraction,' or 'pre-pressing followed by solvent extraction.'
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'processing' without specifying the oil extraction method.
Protein content
The crude protein content of the declared product (on a dry basis), usually expressed as a percentage.
⚠️ Failing to provide or providing incorrect content, such as writing 30% as 60%.
Fat content
The residual oil content of the declared product, i.e., the remaining fat content after oil extraction, expressed as a percentage.
⚠️ Ignoring the residual oil content or confusing it with protein content.
Whether in the form of pellets
Indicate whether the product has been pelletized, such as 'not in the form of pellets' or 'in the form of pellets.'
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring powder as pellets, or vice versa.
Use
Indicate the main use, such as 'for animal feed,' and it must not be for human consumption.
⚠️ Writing 'for food' leads to classification errors.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or making a false declaration.
Example： Product name: sunflower seed meal; Raw material: sunflower seeds (in-shell); Processing method: pre-pressing followed by solvent extraction; Protein content: 32%; Fat content: 1.5%; Whether in the form of pellets: not in the form of pellets; Use: for animal feed; Brand: none.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing sunflower seed meal with sunflower seed cake; the latter may not have been fully oil-extracted, but both are classified under 230630.
Failing to declare protein and fat content, affecting customs determination of the product's nature.
Incorrectly declaring as for food, leading to classification errors and non-compliance with regulatory conditions.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the product's source, processing technology, and use. Sunflower seed meal must be the residue from oil extraction of sunflower seeds and mainly used for animal feed. If the product undergoes further processing or mixing, it may be classified under 2309. If not oil-extracted, it is classified under 1214. If for human consumption, it is classified under other chapters. 230400 Soybean meal: Different raw material; soybean meal comes from soybean oil extraction, while sunflower seed meal comes from sunflower seeds. They are different subheadings but both fall under 2306 divided by raw material. 230500 Peanut meal: Raw material is peanuts; the residue after oil extraction is classified under 230500, which is under 2306 but a different subheading from sunflower seed meal. 230610 Cottonseed meal: Raw material is cottonseed, classified under 230610, which is under 2306 but a different subheading from sunflower seed meal. 121410 Sunflower seeds for feed: Not oil-extracted, merely sunflower seeds used directly as feed, classified under 1214, whereas the residue after oil extraction is classified under 230630. 230990 Other prepared animal feed: If sunflower seed meal is mixed with other substances to make prepared feed, it is classified under 230990, whereas single sunflower seed meal is classified under 230630. Confirm the raw material is sunflower seeds, not other oil seeds. Confirm it has undergone oil extraction processing and has a residual oil content. Confirm the use is for animal feed, not human consumption. Confirm it is not mixed with other substances. Confirm whether or not it is in the form of pellets does not affect classification.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the product's source, processing technology, and use. Sunflower seed meal must be the residue from oil extraction of sunflower seeds and mainly used for animal feed. If the product undergoes further processing or mixing, it may be classified under 2309. If not oil-extracted, it is classified under 1214. If for human consumption, it is classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes：
230400 - Soybean meal
Different raw material; soybean meal comes from soybean oil extraction, while sunflower seed meal comes from sunflower seeds. They are different subheadings but both fall under 2306 divided by raw material.
230500 - Peanut meal
Raw material is peanuts; the residue after oil extraction is classified under 230500, which is under 2306 but a different subheading from sunflower seed meal.
230610 - Cottonseed meal
Raw material is cottonseed, classified under 230610, which is under 2306 but a different subheading from sunflower seed meal.
121410 - Sunflower seeds for feed
Not oil-extracted, merely sunflower seeds used directly as feed, classified under 1214, whereas the residue after oil extraction is classified under 230630.
230990 - Other prepared animal feed
If sunflower seed meal is mixed with other substances to make prepared feed, it is classified under 230990, whereas single sunflower seed meal is classified under 230630.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the raw material is sunflower seeds, not other oil seeds.
✓ Confirm it has undergone oil extraction processing and has a residual oil content.
✓ Confirm the use is for animal feed, not human consumption.
✓ Confirm it is not mixed with other substances.
✓ Confirm whether or not it is in the form of pellets does not affect classification.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between sunflower seed meal and sunflower seed cake? Both are classified under 230630, because HS code 230630 covers oil-cake and other solid residues from sunflower seed oil extraction, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. The difference lies in the processing method: cake is usually in block form after pressing, while meal is in powder form after solvent extraction, but the classification is the same. Are protein and fat content mandatory in the declaration elements for sunflower seed meal? Yes, protein and fat content are key indicators for determining product quality and classification. Customs may use these data to confirm the product is a residue after oil extraction rather than another product. It is recommended to declare truthfully to avoid customs clearance delays due to inaccurate declaration. If sunflower seed meal is used for human consumption, can it still be classified under 230630? No. 230630 only applies to residues after oil extraction for animal feed. If used for human consumption, it may be classified under Chapter 12 or Chapter 20, etc., depending on the processing state. Sunflower seed meal is generally not suitable for human consumption due to its crude fiber content. How is sunflower seed meal classified when mixed with other oilseed meals? If after mixing it is still for single feed use and not made into prepared feed, it is usually classified according to the main component. However, if after mixing it becomes prepared feed, it is classified under 230990. It is recommended to judge based on the mixing ratio and use, and consult customs if necessary. How can I check the import tariff rates and regulatory conditions for sunflower seed meal? You can check the latest tariff rates and regulatory conditions through the General Administration of Customs website or China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 230630 to view tariffs, value-added tax, regulatory documents, etc. Rates may change, so please refer to the time of inquiry. What are the packaging and labeling requirements for sunflower seed meal? As a feed ingredient, it must comply with the Ministry of Agriculture's feed labeling standards, indicating product name, raw materials, protein content, production date, shelf life, etc. When importing, an official quarantine certificate from the exporting country must be provided, and it must comply with China's feed safety regulations. Are the HS codes for sunflower seed meal and cottonseed meal easily confused? Yes, they are easily confused because both are oilseed meals and both fall under 2306. However, the subheadings differ: sunflower seed meal is 230630, and cottonseed meal is 230610. When declaring, the raw material must be accurately provided to avoid classification errors. If sunflower seed meal undergoes fermentation treatment, does the HS code change? If it is only simply fermented and still used as feed, it may still be classified under 230630; but if after fermentation it becomes prepared feed or its basic characteristics change, it may be classified under 2309. It needs to be judged based on the degree of processing and use.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between sunflower seed meal and sunflower seed cake?
A: Both are classified under 230630, because HS code 230630 covers oil-cake and other solid residues from sunflower seed oil extraction, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets. The difference lies in the processing method: cake is usually in block form after pressing, while meal is in powder form after solvent extraction, but the classification is the same.
Q: Are protein and fat content mandatory in the declaration elements for sunflower seed meal?
A: Yes, protein and fat content are key indicators for determining product quality and classification. Customs may use these data to confirm the product is a residue after oil extraction rather than another product. It is recommended to declare truthfully to avoid customs clearance delays due to inaccurate declaration.
Q: If sunflower seed meal is used for human consumption, can it still be classified under 230630?
A: No. 230630 only applies to residues after oil extraction for animal feed. If used for human consumption, it may be classified under Chapter 12 or Chapter 20, etc., depending on the processing state. Sunflower seed meal is generally not suitable for human consumption due to its crude fiber content.
Q: How is sunflower seed meal classified when mixed with other oilseed meals?
A: If after mixing it is still for single feed use and not made into prepared feed, it is usually classified according to the main component. However, if after mixing it becomes prepared feed, it is classified under 230990. It is recommended to judge based on the mixing ratio and use, and consult customs if necessary.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rates and regulatory conditions for sunflower seed meal?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates and regulatory conditions through the General Administration of Customs website or China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 230630 to view tariffs, value-added tax, regulatory documents, etc. Rates may change, so please refer to the time of inquiry.
Q: What are the packaging and labeling requirements for sunflower seed meal?
A: As a feed ingredient, it must comply with the Ministry of Agriculture's feed labeling standards, indicating product name, raw materials, protein content, production date, shelf life, etc. When importing, an official quarantine certificate from the exporting country must be provided, and it must comply with China's feed safety regulations.
Q: Are the HS codes for sunflower seed meal and cottonseed meal easily confused?
A: Yes, they are easily confused because both are oilseed meals and both fall under 2306. However, the subheadings differ: sunflower seed meal is 230630, and cottonseed meal is 230610. When declaring, the raw material must be accurately provided to avoid classification errors.
Q: If sunflower seed meal undergoes fermentation treatment, does the HS code change?
A: If it is only simply fermented and still used as feed, it may still be classified under 230630; but if after fermentation it becomes prepared feed or its basic characteristics change, it may be classified under 2309. It needs to be judged based on the degree of processing and use.
⚠️ 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.