Margarine — HTS 1517
Margarine; edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this chapter, other than edible fats or oils or their fractions of heading 1516
Chapter 15 › Heading 1517
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 1517 is a broad product category for margarine and other edible mixtures or preparations made from animal, vegetable, or microbial fats or oils, including mixtures made from different fats or oils covered by Chapter 15. It generally includes prepared fat-based foods rather than a single pure oil or fat. The heading specifically excludes edible fats, oils, and their fractions that belong in heading 1516.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, start with the product’s ingredients and how the fats or oils are combined. The more specific subheading may depend on the product type, such as margarine versus another preparation, whether it contains particular fats or oils, and other distinctions stated in the tariff description and legal notes. Classification should be based on the product as imported, including its formulation and presentation—not simply its brand name or marketing description.
What to check
- Review the complete ingredient formula and identify every animal, vegetable, and microbial fat or oil, including the principal component.
- Confirm that the product is a prepared mixture or preparation rather than a single edible fat, oil, or fraction that belongs in heading 1516.
- Read the heading 1517 subheadings and tariff schedule notes in order, comparing each description with the product’s composition and form.
- Check whether the tariff language distinguishes margarine from other preparations or separates products by the fats or oils used.
- Keep product specifications, ingredient statements, manufacturing information, and samples or photographs to support the classification; ask a customs broker or request a binding ruling if the distinctions are unclear.
HTS heading 1517 summary
Margarine is a 4-digit product category containing 1 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.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 1517.90 | Other |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1517.10.00.00 👉 | Margarine, excluding liquid margarine | 12.3¢/kg | Free | 31¢/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 1517?
Margarine; edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this chapter, other than edible fats or oils or their fractions of heading 1516. 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.