Vegetable fats and oils and their fractions; partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared

HS code 151620 covers a diverse range of vegetable fats and oils that have undergone various processing techniques, such as hydrogenation, inter-esterification, and re-esterification. These products play a crucial role in the global food and industrial sectors, providing essential ingredients and raw materials for a wide array of applications. Understanding the scope and significance of this industry is crucial for businesses and individuals involved in international trade and supply chain management.

The production of goods classified under HS code 151620 typically involves a series of processing steps. Vegetable oils, such as soybean, palm, or sunflower oil, are first extracted from their respective sources. These oils are then subjected to various chemical and physical treatments, including hydrogenation, inter-esterification, and re-esterification, to modify their properties and characteristics. The resulting products can range from partially hydrogenated oils to fully hydrogenated fats, each with unique applications and characteristics.

The main inputs required for the production of goods under HS code 151620 include a variety of vegetable oils, such as 1507 Soybean oil, 1511 Palm oil, and 1512 Sunflower-seed or safflower oil. Additionally, specialized equipment and machinery for the various processing techniques, such as hydrogenation reactors and inter-esterification units, are essential inputs. Chemical catalysts and other processing aids may also be required, depending on the specific production methods employed.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 151620 are a diverse range of processed vegetable fats and oils. These products can be used as ingredients in the food industry, such as in the manufacture of 1517 Margarine and similar preparations, 1518 Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, boiled, oxidized, dehydrated, sulphurized, blown, polymerized by heat in vacuum or in inert gas or otherwise chemically modified, and 1516 Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared.