Fats and oils and their fractions; of fish, (excluding liver-oils)

HS code 150420 covers the trade and production of fats and oils derived from fish, excluding liver oils. This industry plays a crucial role in the global food and pharmaceutical supply chains, providing essential nutrients and raw materials for a wide range of products. As a key component of the broader oils and fats industry, the fish-derived fats and oils sector is an important contributor to the international economy.

The production of fish-derived fats and oils typically involves a multi-step process. First, the raw fish material is collected and processed, often through methods such as rendering or extraction. The resulting crude oils are then refined, bleached, and deodorized to remove impurities and improve quality. Depending on the intended use, the refined oils may undergo further processing, such as hydrogenation or fractionation, to modify their physical and chemical properties.

The main inputs required for the production of fish-derived fats and oils include the raw fish material, which can come from a variety of marine sources, as well as specialized processing equipment, such as centrifuges, evaporators, and distillation units. Energy sources, such as electricity or steam, are also necessary for the various stages of production. Additionally, the industry relies on a range of support services, including transportation, storage, and quality control.

The primary outputs of HS code 150420 are various types of fish-derived fats and oils, which can be used in a wide range of applications. These include 150410 Oils and their fractions, of fish, other than liver oils, 150430 Fats and oils and their fractions, of marine mammals, and 150440 Fats and oils and their fractions, of oilseeds, other than soya bean, groundnut, olive, sunflower, safflower, cotton, coconut, palm, palm kernel, babassu or rape oil. The outputs of this industry are often consumed by other sectors, such as the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.