Degras; residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances or animal or vegetable waxes

HS code 152200 covers a range of residues and byproducts from the processing of fats, oils, and waxes. These materials, known as 'degras', are an important part of the broader oleochemicals industry, which produces a wide variety of chemicals and products from renewable plant and animal sources. Degras and similar residues have a variety of applications, from use as lubricants and fuel additives to incorporation into animal feeds and fertilizers, making them a valuable component of the global trade in oleochemicals and related products.

Degras and similar residues are typically generated as byproducts during the refining, bleaching, or other processing of fats, oils, and waxes. The specific production techniques can vary depending on the source material and desired end-use, but often involve chemical treatments, filtration, and separation processes to extract and purify the residual components.

The primary inputs for the production of degras and related residues are the various fats, oils, and waxes that are processed, including 151110 Crude palm oil, 151211 Crude soybean oil, and 152110 Crude animal fats. In addition, the production process may require various chemical reagents, filtration media, and energy sources to power the necessary equipment and facilities.

The main outputs from HS code 152200 are the degras and residual materials themselves, which can be used in a range of applications. These may include use as lubricants, fuel additives, components of animal feeds, or as inputs to other oleochemical processes. The specific end-uses will depend on the composition and properties of the particular degras or residue. Other HS codes that may consume these outputs include 271019 Other oils, 230690 Other preparations of a kind used in animal feeding, and 340399 Lubricating preparations, among others.