Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared (heading 1516): importing markets
HS heading 1516 covers animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils that have been partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or…
Published on 10 November 2026Updated on 10 November 2026
HS heading 1516 covers animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils that have been partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, and not further prepared. In 2024, China was the largest importer by value, at over USD 1.1 billion, followed by the United States, Germany and Malaysia. For a company exporting from Spain, the right market depends on the subheading and on the agreement in force.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 10 November 2026
Fact sheet
- Code
- 1516
- Chapter
- 15 · Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes
- Subheadings
- 3
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 1,108,641,089 |
| United States | 281,699,725 |
| Germany | 266,304,940 |
| Malaysia | 266,167,557 |
| Algeria | 201,147,907 |
| Netherlands | 193,531,389 |
| Denmark | 176,620,677 |
| Sweden | 151,887,474 |
| Italy | 136,927,168 |
| France | 135,535,580 |
| Saudi Arabia | 117,489,611 |
| Belgium | 114,710,732 |
| Poland | 112,577,929 |
| Nigeria | 102,441,736 |
| South Korea | 99,865,622 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 10 November 2026
What to know before exporting under heading 1516
Heading 1516 is a four-digit code of the Harmonized System, in chapter 15. It has three subheadings. The product in each shipment must be classified under one of them, and the classification determines the duty and the documents required.
The table of importing markets shows declared imports from the world, not from Spain. It tells you where demand is large. It does not tell you how accessible each market is for a Spanish exporter, or how much of that demand is already served by other suppliers.
China stands out in the 2024 data. Its imports were about four times those of the United States, the second market. Germany, Malaysia, Algeria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden follow. The list mixes European Union markets, which a company exporting from Spain serves without customs duties, and third countries, where duties and entry rules apply.
For markets outside the EU, the duty depends on the subheading and on whether a trade agreement applies to the destination. For a company exporting from Spain, the duty applicable in each destination is consulted by code and country in Access2Markets, together with rules of origin, product requirements and formalities.
Classification is the first thing to settle. A product that is hydrogenated or inter-esterified but also further prepared may fall under a different heading. If there is doubt, the Spanish tax and customs authority (AEAT) can issue a binding tariff information decision, and the TARIC database shows the nomenclature used in EU trade.
Fats and oils are food products. Destination markets may ask for health, labelling or origin documentation, and the requirements differ between countries. Check them market by market in Access2Markets before quoting a price, not after the order.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 10 November 2026
Frequently asked questions
What does HS heading 1516 cover?
Heading 1516 covers animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils, and their fractions, that have been partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared. It belongs to chapter 15 and has three subheadings.
Which countries import the most under heading 1516?
According to UN Comtrade data for 2024, the largest importers by value were China, the United States, Germany, Malaysia and Algeria. China exceeded USD 1.1 billion. These are imports declared by each country from the world, not purchases from Spain.
How do I find the duty for exporting 1516 from Spain to a given country?
The duty depends on the subheading, the destination and whether a trade agreement between the EU and that country applies. It is consulted by product code and destination country in Access2Markets, which also lists rules of origin and formalities. Exports to other EU countries do not pay customs duties.
Is the 2024 import data final for every country?
It is the latest period with consolidated data in UN Comtrade. Countries report with a delay, so some figures may be revised and the most recent year may not yet be complete for every market.
What should I check if my product is hydrogenated but also processed further?
Check the classification before anything else. Heading 1516 applies to products not further prepared. A product that has undergone additional preparation may belong to another heading, so confirm it in TARIC or request a binding tariff information decision from the customs authority.
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