Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, virgin, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

HS code 150910 covers the import and export of virgin olive oil, a highly valued culinary and industrial product. Olive oil is a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet and has seen growing global demand in recent years due to its perceived health benefits and versatility in cooking. As a major agricultural commodity, the olive oil industry plays a significant role in the economies of olive-producing regions worldwide.

Virgin olive oil is produced through the mechanical pressing of olives, without the use of chemical treatments or refinement. This process preserves the oil's natural flavor, aroma, and nutritional properties. After harvesting, the olives are cleaned, crushed, and the oil is extracted through a centrifugal process. The resulting virgin olive oil is then bottled and distributed for culinary and industrial uses.

The primary inputs for the virgin olive oil industry are olives, which are typically grown in Mediterranean climates. Specialized machinery such as olive presses, centrifuges, and bottling equipment are also essential for the production and packaging of the final product. Additionally, labor, energy, and transportation resources are required to support the various stages of the olive oil supply chain.

Virgin olive oil produced under HS code 150910 is primarily consumed as a cooking oil, salad dressing, and ingredient in various food products. It may also be used in the manufacture of 340530 Polishes and creams, for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass or metal and 330499 Cosmetic and toilet preparations, n.e.c. in heading no. 3304. The byproducts of olive oil production, such as olive pomace, can also be further processed for use in animal feed or biofuel production.