HTS US: 1516.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading covers animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and their fractions that have undergone partial or full hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinization. These processes alter the chemical structure of the fats and oils, often improving shelf life, melting characteristics, or functionality in food and industrial applications.
The products may be refined or unrefined but are not further prepared beyond these modifications.
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 Fractions
- Heading 1516: Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinized, whether or not refined, but not further prepared.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
1516.XX.XXXX– The last digits specify the exact type and source of the fat or oil.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 1516 is subdivided into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the origin and type of fat or oil.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1516.10.00.00 | Animal fats and oils and their fractions | Includes partially or wholly hydrogenated animal fats such as lard or tallow that have not been further prepared beyond these treatments. |
| 1516.20 | Vegetable fats and oils and their fractions: | Further subdivided to specify types of vegetable oils that have undergone similar processing. |
| 1516.20.10.00 | Rapeseed oil | Hydrogenated or inter-esterified rapeseed oil and its fractions, commonly used as an alternative to animal fats in food production. |
| 1516.20.91.00 | Other | Other vegetable fats and oils, such as soybean, sunflower, or palm oils, that have been partly or wholly hydrogenated or otherwise modified. |
| 1516.30.00.00 | Microbial fats and oils and their fractions | Fats and oils derived from microbial sources like algae or fungi that have been hydrogenated or processed similarly. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, the following exclusions apply:
- Fully refined and prepared edible fats and oils that are further processed or blended beyond hydrogenation or esterification processes are classified under different headings.
- Animal or vegetable fats and oils not subjected to hydrogenation or similar treatments fall under headings 1501 to 1515.
- Waxes and fully prepared fats used for industrial or cosmetic purposes appear under other specific chapters.
Notes
- Processing Methods: Hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats, converting them to saturated fats; inter-esterification rearranges fatty acids on the glycerol backbone; elaidinization changes the configuration of double bonds.
- Applications: These modified fats and oils are widely used in margarine, shortenings, confectionery, and industrial uses.
- Duty Rates: Import duties vary depending on the specific subheading and country of origin; consult the current USHTS for precise rates.
Declaration Example
Product: Partly hydrogenated rapeseed oil for food manufacturing.US HTS Code:
1516.20.10.00Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (varies by trade agreements and quotas)
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 1501: Lard, other pig fat and poultry fat, rendered or otherwise extracted, not further prepared.
- HTS 1507: Soya-bean oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
- HTS 1515: Other fixed vegetable fats and oils, and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
- HTS 1521: Glycerol and glycerol waters, and glycerol lyes.
