| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515902100 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 1515908190 | Doc | 40.7% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil extracted from the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare), a perennial herb in the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean but widely cultivated, and is known for its potent aroma and flavor.
Material & Composition
The primary active components of oregano oil are phenols, most notably carvacrol and thymol. The concentration of these compounds varies depending on the chemotype of the oregano plant and the extraction method used. Other constituents include rosmarinic acid, camphor, limonene, and caryophyllene. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the leaves and flowers.
Purpose & Traditional Uses
Historically, oregano oil has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments. These include:
- Antimicrobial Properties: Perhaps the most well-known use, oregano oil exhibits strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.
- Digestive Health: Traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve bloating, and combat intestinal parasites.
- Respiratory Support: Used for coughs, colds, sore throats, and sinusitis.
- Pain Relief: Applied topically for muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches.
- Immune Support: Believed to boost the immune system.
Function & Mechanism of Action
The antimicrobial activity of oregano oil is largely attributed to carvacrol and thymol, which disrupt cell membranes and interfere with microbial metabolism. These compounds have demonstrated effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in vitro. The oil's anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be due to compounds like rosmarinic acid.
Usage Scenarios & Application Methods
- Dietary Supplement: Oregano oil is available in capsule or liquid form for internal consumption. Dosage is crucial, as it is highly potent and can cause irritation. It is often diluted with a carrier oil (like olive oil) to reduce its intensity.
- Topical Application: Diluted oregano oil can be applied to the skin for localized infections, muscle pain, or fungal conditions (e.g., athlete's foot). A patch test is recommended before widespread use.
- Aromatherapy: The oil can be diffused into the air for its antimicrobial and respiratory benefits.
- Food Preservation: Oregano oil can be used as a natural food preservative due to its antibacterial properties.
- Cleaning Products: Added to homemade cleaning solutions for its disinfecting properties.
Common Types & Chemotypes
Different chemotypes of oregano exist, each with varying concentrations of active compounds:
- High-Carvacrol Oregano Oil: Contains a higher percentage of carvacrol (typically 70-85%). Often preferred for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
- High-Thymol Oregano Oil: Contains a higher percentage of thymol. May be more effective against certain types of bacteria.
- Mediterranean Oregano Oil: Derived from Origanum vulgare, commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine.
- Spanish Oregano Oil: Known for its potent aroma and flavor.
Precautions & Side Effects
- Potency: Oregano oil is highly concentrated and can cause irritation if used undiluted.
- Allergies: Individuals with allergies to plants in the mint family may experience an allergic reaction.
- Drug Interactions: May interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Internal Use: Should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Long-term, high-dose internal use is not recommended.
- Skin Sensitivity: Can cause skin irritation or sensitization. Always dilute before topical application.
Oregano oil falls under the category of fixed vegetable or microbial fats and oils, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided information:
- 1515902100: Other fixed vegetable or microbial fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified: Other: Nut oils. This code applies to oregano oil if it is classified as a nut oil. The total tax rate is 37.5%, comprising a base tariff of 0.0% and an additional tariff of 7.5%, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025.
- 1515908190: Other fixed vegetable or microbial fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified: Other: Other Other. This code is a broader category for oils not specifically classified elsewhere. The total tax rate is 40.7%, consisting of a base tariff of 3.2% and an additional tariff of 7.5%, rising to 30% after April 2, 2025.
According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'oregano oil' are limited, with only the following 2 found.
It is important to determine whether oregano oil is specifically considered a "nut oil" for classification under HS code 1515902100. If it doesn't meet that specific definition, HS code 1515908190 would be more appropriate.