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

HS code 150990 covers a range of vegetable oils, specifically olive oil and its fractions, that have undergone some form of processing beyond virgin olive oil. These refined and non-virgin olive oils play a crucial role in the global food and industrial sectors, providing versatile and cost-effective alternatives to virgin olive oil. The 150990 industry is a significant contributor to the broader vegetable oil market, which is a key component of the global agricultural and manufacturing economy.

The production of 150990 vegetable oils typically involves a series of refining processes. This may include techniques such as neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization to remove impurities, reduce acidity, and improve the oil's color, flavor, and stability. The specific methods used can vary depending on the type of vegetable oil and the desired final product characteristics.

The main inputs required for the 150990 industry include raw vegetable oils, such as 150910 Olive oil and its fractions, virgin or other vegetable oil feedstocks. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment and machinery for the refining and processing of the oils. Energy sources, such as electricity or natural gas, are also essential inputs for the various stages of production.

The primary outputs of the 150990 industry are refined, non-virgin vegetable oils, including olive oil fractions. These oils are widely used in the food industry for cooking, frying, and food preparation. They may also find applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Other HS codes that may consume the outputs of 150990 include 151219 Vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, refined but not chemically modified, 151790 Edible mixtures or preparations of animal or vegetable fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils, and 340111 Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent.