Copra

HS code 120300 covers the classification of copra, which is the dried meat or kernel of the coconut. Copra is a vital agricultural commodity, playing a significant role in the global economy. As a major source of coconut oil, copra is an essential raw material for a wide range of industries, including food processing, cosmetics, and biofuel production. The copra industry is particularly important in tropical regions where coconut palms are widely cultivated, providing income and employment for millions of smallholder farmers.

The production of copra typically involves several key steps. First, mature coconuts are harvested from the coconut palm trees. The coconuts are then split open, and the white coconut meat or 'kernel' is removed. The coconut kernels are then dried, either in the sun or using specialized drying equipment, to reduce the moisture content. This drying process transforms the coconut meat into the dry, shelf-stable copra product.

The primary inputs required for the copra industry are the coconut palms themselves, which provide the raw material. In addition, the production of copra requires access to land for cultivation, as well as labor for harvesting, processing, and drying the coconut kernels. Depending on the drying method used, energy sources such as sunlight or fuel may also be required. Machinery and equipment for splitting, drying, and storing the copra are also important inputs for this industry.

The main output of the copra industry is the dried coconut meat or kernel, which is then processed further to extract coconut oil. This coconut oil is a versatile commodity with a wide range of applications, including in the food, cosmetics, and biofuel industries. The byproducts of copra processing, such as coconut shells and husks, may also have secondary uses, such as in the production of charcoal, fiber, or as a source of fuel. Other related HS codes that may consume copra or coconut oil include 151311 Coconut oil and its fractions, 230660 Coconut or copra meal and other solid residues, and 380130 Activated carbon, among others.