Once-Refined Cottonseed Cooking Oil

This is cottonseed oil that has undergone a single refining step involving alkali or caustic wash to remove impurities like free fatty acids and gums, but it has not been bleached or deodorized. It falls under HTS 1512.29.0020 as once-refined cottonseed oil, distinct from fully refined or crude varieties. Primarily used in food manufacturing for frying and baking.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+17.5%17.5%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

1512.21.00.00Same rate: 17.5%

If crude and unrefined

Crude cottonseed oil without any refining steps like alkali wash falls under the crude heading in the same chapter.

1512.29.00.40Same rate: 17.5%

If fully refined, bleached, and deodorized

Further processing beyond once-refined, including bleaching or deodorization, moves it to the fully refined cottonseed oil subheading.

1516.20Higher: 17.7% vs 17.5%

If chemically modified, such as hydrogenated

Chemical alterations like hydrogenation for margarine production classify it under Chapter 15 heading for modified vegetable fats.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify refining process documentation to confirm only alkali/caustic wash was applied, no bleaching or deodorization, to avoid reclassification to fully refined codes

Include lab analysis certificates showing cottonseed origin and milk solids content if any traces present (though typically none for vegetable oils)

Label as 'once-refined' and provide FFA levels under 0.1% to distinguish from crude oil imports

Related Products under HTS 1512.29.00.20

Once-Refined Cottonseed Salad Oil Base

Cottonseed oil refined only via caustic wash to neutralize and degum, serving as a base for higher-grade salad oils before final processing. Classified under HTS 1512.29.0020 due to its once-refined state without bleaching or deodorization. Used in food industry for blending into dressings and mayonnaise.

Industrial Once-Refined Cottonseed Oil

Cottonseed oil subjected solely to alkali or caustic washing for industrial applications like soap production or animal feed emulsifiers. HTS 1512.29.0020 applies as it matches the once-refined definition without further purification. Not intended for direct human consumption.

Once-Refined Cottonseed Oil for Margarine Blending

Partially refined cottonseed oil via caustic wash, used as a blend component in margarine production before final hydrogenation. Fits HTS 1512.29.0020 as once-refined, not chemically modified or fully purified. Essential in shortening and spread manufacturing.

Food-Grade Once-Refined Cottonseed Oil

Cottonseed oil alkali-washed for initial purification in food processing plants, pending further refinement. Classified precisely under HTS 1512.29.0020 for its single-step refinement. Used in canned goods and snack food frying.

Bulk Once-Refined Cottonseed Oil for Bakers

Caustic-washed cottonseed oil shipped in bulk for bakery shortenings, not yet deodorized. HTS 1512.29.0020 captures this intermediate refinement stage. High smoke point suits high-heat baking applications.

Once-Refined Cottonseed Oil Degummed Grade

Cottonseed oil after caustic neutralization and degumming but pre-bleach, for further industrial processing. Strictly HTS 1512.29.0020 as once-refined per definition. Common in oleochemical production.