HS 1511Agriculture

Refined Palm Oil (RBD) - HS 1511 classification, duty and landed cost

Refined Palm Oil (RBD) moves through customs under HS heading 1511. This guide sets out sample sub-codes, indicative import duty in major markets, key trade documents and a worked landed-cost calculation - refresh figures against the live tariff schedule before quoting.

Reviewed against WCO HS · WTO IDB · National customs schedules2 authoritative sourcesLast reviewed July 2026

Sample 6-digit codes

Code	Description
1511.90	Palm oil, other than crude
1517.90	Preparations for animal feed, other

Need to check a specific code? Use the free HS code lookup tool.

Typical import duty by market

Market	Duty
European Union	0% - 15% CAP tariffs; TRQs and entry-price system apply on many lines.
United States	0% - 15% USDA APHIS phytosanitary controls; GSP for eligible origins.
China	3% - 25% Plus 9% - 13% VAT; state licensing on some staples.
India	10% - 40% BCD + 5% - 18% GST; MSP interventions on staples.
UAE	0% - 5% GCC common external tariff; 5% VAT (many food staples zero-rated).

Worked landed-cost example

20 MT of Refined Palm Oil (RBD) at FOB USD 1,000 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.

FOB valueUSD 20,000

Freight + insuranceUSD 1,300

CIF valueUSD 21,300

Import duty @ ~8% (indicative for Agriculture)USD 1,704

VAT / GST @ ~5% on CIF+dutyUSD 1,150

Landed cost ≈ USD 24,154 - re-run the numbers against your exact HS 8-digit code and destination tariff before quoting.

Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.

Regulatory checkpoints

· Phytosanitary certificate from origin NPPO under IPPC ISPM 12.
· Fumigation certificate (Methyl Bromide / Phosphine) where required by destination.
· Non-GMO / GMO status declaration for select destinations (EU, India).

Top exporting countries

· Indonesia
· Malaysia
· Netherlands

Frequently asked questions

What HS heading covers Refined Palm Oil (RBD)?

Refined Palm Oil (RBD) is typically classified under HS 1511.90. Always confirm the 8- to 10-digit statistical suffix with your destination customs.

What documents do buyers usually ask for on Refined Palm Oil (RBD)?

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, fumigation certificate and third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek) at loading.

Is Refined Palm Oil (RBD) shipped in bulk or bagged?

Both. Large-volume routes ship in bulk vessels; branded and premium origins usually ship in 25/50 kg bags or 1 MT jumbo bags in 20' containers.

How does moisture affect the settlement of Refined Palm Oil (RBD)?

Trade contracts fix a moisture basis (often 12-14%). Any excess is deducted from paid weight using an agreed schedule; extreme moisture can trigger rejection.

What Incoterm is standard for Refined Palm Oil (RBD)?

Bulk shipments trade CFR / CIF port of destination; container shipments trade FOB or CIF port. FCA / DAP are common for high-value packed origins moving by truck or rail.