HTS US: 1512.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading includes oils obtained from sunflower-seed, safflower, or cottonseed, as well as their fractions. These oils may be in crude or refined form, but must not be chemically modified. The classification under this heading covers a variety of preparations such as certified organic oils, oils that have undergone partial refining processes, and fully refined oils.
The oils and their fractions are typically used for edible purposes, industrial applications, or as raw materials in food production.
Code Hierarchy
- Section III: Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and Their Cleavage Products; Prepared Edible Fats; Animal or Vegetable Waxes (Chapters 15)
- Chapter 15: Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and Their Cleavage Products; Prepared Edible Fats; Animal or Vegetable Waxes
- Heading 1512: Sunflower-seed, safflower or cottonseed oil, and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
1512.XX.XX.XX– The additional digits specify the oil type and degree of processing.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The heading 1512 is subdivided according to the source oil and its processing status. Below is a complete breakdown based on the official HTS codes:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1512.11.00 | Sunflower-seed oil, crude | Unrefined sunflower-seed oil; may contain impurities. |
| 1512.11.00.25 | Certified organic sunflower-seed oil, crude | Crude sunflower oil certified as organic by recognized standards. |
| 1512.11.00.35 | Other crude sunflower-seed oil | Non-organic crude sunflower-seed oil. |
| 1512.11.00.40 | Safflower oil | Crude safflower oil grouped here as per subheading. |
| 1512.19.00 | Other sunflower-seed oil, not crude | Refined or partially processed sunflower-seed oils. |
| 1512.19.00.25 | Certified organic, refined or processed sunflower-seed oil | Organic sunflower oil that has been refined or otherwise processed. |
| 1512.19.00.35 | Other refined or processed sunflower-seed oil | Non-organic refined sunflower-seed oil. |
| 1512.19.00.40 | Safflower oil, refined or processed | Refined safflower oil included in this subheading. |
| 1512.21.00.00 | Cottonseed oil, crude, whether or not gossypol has been removed | Crude cottonseed oil, including forms where the toxic pigment gossypol is removed. |
| 1512.29.00 | Other cottonseed oils | Includes refined, partially refined, or otherwise processed cottonseed oils. |
| 1512.29.00.20 | Once-refined cottonseed oil (alkali or caustic washed, not bleached or deodorized) | Oils subjected to alkali or caustic washing but no further refining steps. |
| 1512.29.00.40 | Other cottonseed oils (fully refined, washed, bleached, or deodorized) | Fully refined cottonseed oils ready for edible or industrial use. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To ensure correct classification, the following exclusions apply:
- Oils chemically modified: Oils that have been chemically altered (e.g., hydrogenated or epoxidized) are classified under different HTS codes.
- Other vegetable oils: Oils from seeds other than sunflower-seed, safflower, or cottonseed are excluded.
- Animal fats and oils: These are covered under different chapters.
- Prepared edible fats: Products such as margarine or blended fats are not included here.
Notes
- Organic Certification: Products labeled as ‘certified organic’ must comply with USDA organic standards or other recognized certification schemes.
- Refining Processes: The codes distinguish between crude, once-refined (alkali or caustic washed), and fully refined oils (washed, bleached, deodorized).
- Gossypol Removal: Cottonseed oil may be crude regardless of whether gossypol, a natural pigment and toxin, has been removed.
- Duty Rates: Vary by specific subheading and country of origin; users should consult the current USHTS for exact rates and any applicable trade agreements.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of fully refined, certified organic sunflower-seed oil.US HTS Code:
1512.19.00.25(Certified organic, refined sunflower-seed oil)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Refer to current USHTS (may vary by trade agreements)
Additional Requirements: Organic certification documentation; compliance with FDA regulations for edible oils.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 1507: Soybean oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
- HTS 1509: Olive oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
- HTS 1511: Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
- HTS 1515: Other fixed vegetable fats and oils (e.g., coconut, palm kernel), and their fractions.











