HS 1515Agriculture

Sesame Oil - HS 1515 classification, duty and landed cost

Sesame Oil moves through customs under HS heading 1515. 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
1515.50	Sesame oil and its fractions
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 Sesame Oil at FOB USD 3,200 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.

FOB valueUSD 64,000

Freight + insuranceUSD 4,160

CIF valueUSD 68,160

Import duty @ ~8% (indicative for Agriculture)USD 5,453

VAT / GST @ ~5% on CIF+dutyUSD 3,681

Landed cost ≈ USD 77,294 - 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

· China
· Japan
· Mexico
· Turkey

Frequently asked questions

What HS heading covers Sesame Oil?

Sesame Oil is typically classified under HS 1515.50. Always confirm the 8- to 10-digit statistical suffix with your destination customs.

What documents do buyers usually ask for on Sesame Oil?

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 Sesame Oil 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 Sesame Oil?

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 Sesame Oil?

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.