Sunflower-seed — HTS 1512
Sunflower-seed, safflower or cottonseed oil, and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
Chapter 15 › Heading 1512
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 1512 is a four-digit product category for sunflower-seed oil, safflower oil, and cottonseed oil, including their fractions. It covers these oils whether they are crude or refined, as long as they have not been chemically modified. “Fractions” are separated parts of an oil obtained through processing; they can have different properties and classifications from the whole oil.
To reach the correct eight-digit HTSUS code, start by identifying the oil’s source and the product’s form. The subheadings generally distinguish among sunflower-seed, safflower, and cottonseed oil, and may further separate crude oil from other forms or distinguish particular fractions. Confirm that the product has not been chemically modified; chemically modified oils may belong elsewhere. The final classification can depend on technical product facts, so a customs broker or classification specialist may be needed for uncertain cases.
What to check
- Check the oil’s botanical source using the ingredient statement, supplier specifications, and production records.
- Determine whether the shipment is crude, refined, or a separated fraction, and obtain the processing description from the manufacturer.
- Confirm that the oil has not been chemically modified; review whether it has been hydrogenated, esterified, or otherwise chemically altered.
- Read the complete eight-digit HTSUS descriptions and any relevant notes rather than stopping at heading 1512.
- Keep product specifications, laboratory information, and formulation records supporting the selected classification for entry review.
HTS heading 1512 summary
Sunflower-seed is a 4-digit product category containing 4 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1512.11.00 👉 | Crude oil | 1.7¢/kg + 3.4% | Free | 9.9¢/kg + 20% |
| 1512.19.00 👉 | Other | 1.7¢/kg + 3.4% | Free | 9.9¢/kg + 20% |
| 1512.21.00.00 👉 | Crude oil, whether or not gossypol has been removed | 5.6¢/kg | Free | 6.6¢/kg |
| 1512.29.00 👉 | Other | 5.6¢/kg | Free | 6.6¢/kg |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 1512?
Sunflower-seed, safflower or cottonseed oil, and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.