Refined Acid Oil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1518004000 | 25.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π’οΈ Refined Acid Oil (Chemically Modified Fats & Oils)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Refined Acid Oil"?
Acid Oil is a by-product of the vegetable oil refining process, primarily consisting of free fatty acids (FFA), phospholipids, and other impurities. "Refined Acid Oil" in the context of international trade usually refers to these fats/oils that have undergone specific chemical modifications such as boiling, oxidizing, dehydrating, sulfurizing, blowing, or polymerizing.
In international trade classification, it is crucial to distinguish between: 1. Standard Crude/Refined Oils: Typically fall under heading 1507β1515. 2. Chemically Modified/Inedible Preparations: Falls under Heading 1518.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the oil is simply "crude" or "standard refined" for human consumption or basic industrial use β It likely belongs to other chapters (e.g., 1515).
- If the oil is boiled, oxidized, dehydrated, sulfurized, blown, polymerized, or otherwise chemically modified, OR is an inedible mixture β It MUST be classified under Heading 1518.
- Crucial Note: Heading 1516 covers partially hydrogenated oils. If the product is NOT 1516, and IS chemically modified, it goes to 1518.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the two specific subheadings under Heading 1518.00:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
1518.00.40.00 |
Other chemically modified fats/oils or inedible mixtures | Generic chemical modification (e.g., blown, polymerized, oxidized) NOT specifically linseed oil | β General Modified/Inedible |
1518.00.20.00 |
Of linseed or flaxseed oil (chemically modified) | Specific modification of Linseed/Flaxseed oil | β Specific Material (Linseed) |
π Important Reminder:
- "Refined Acid Oil" often contains high Free Fatty Acids (FFA). If it is intended for biodiesel production or industrial lubricants after chemical treatment (oxidation/polymerization), it falls under 1518.
- Do NOT confuse with "Vegetable Oils" (1515). If the acid oil is not chemically modified and is still considered a "fat or oil" for industrial use, check if it fits 1516 (hydrogenated). If it is boiled/oxidized/polymerized, it is strictly 1518.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical trade context for "Acid Oil" imports subject to surcharges)
β Effective Date: Current regulations apply.
π― 1. 1518.00.40.00 ββ Other Chemically Modified Fats/Oils
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | Based on CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Subject to standard de minimis rules (if applicable, but generally high-value industrial goods require full entry). |
| Legal Basis | USITC:1518.00.40.00 |
π Explanation:
- This code represents a "Free" (0%) classification for general chemically modified fats/oils.
- However, caution is required: If the product is misclassified and actually falls under a different chemical modification or a specific restricted category, rates could change. But for 1518.00.40, the tariff is explicitly 0%.
- Advantage: Low tariff burden compared to many other chemical or agricultural products.
π― 2. 1518.00.20.00 ββ Chemically Modified Linseed/Flaxseed Oil
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.3Β’/kg (Specific Rate) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 7.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Tax Rate | 6.3 cents per kg + 7.5% of CIF Value |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight in kg Γ $0.063) + (CIF Value Γ 0.075) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Generally Excluded (Specific rates and high ad valorem surcharges often trigger full examination). |
| Legal Basis | USITC:1518.00.20.00 β Surcharge Policy |
π Explanation:
- Specific Duty: You pay 6.3 cents for every kilogram of product, regardless of value.
- Ad Valorem Surcharge: On top of the specific duty, you pay an additional 7.5% of the total invoice value.
- Combined Impact: For low-value linseed oil products, the specific duty dominates. For high-value modified oils, the 7.5% adds significant cost.
- Why Higher?: Linseed (flaxseed) oil is often associated with specific trade disputes or protectionist measures, hence the extra 7.5% surcharge.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfalls Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must specify: Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content, Peroxide Value, Chemical Modification Type (e.g., "Polymerized," "Blown"). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Critical for customs to verify it is "Inedible" or chemically modified (distinguishes from food-grade oils). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Chemically Modified Acid Oil" or "Linseed Oil, Oxidized/Blown." Do not just write "Vegetable Oil." |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure description matches invoice. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To determine applicability of surcharges (e.g., China origin triggers the 7.5% if applicable). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βSpecify Modification, Declare Inedible, Check Origin!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| General Acid Oil (Boiled/Oxidized) | 1518.00.40.00 - "Other chemically modified fats" |
Misdeclaring as "Vegetable Oil" (1515) β High duty + Penalty. |
| Linseed Oil (Modified) | 1518.00.20.00 - "Of linseed or flaxseed oil" |
Misdeclaring as "General Modified" (1518.00.40) β Overpayment (0% vs 6.3Β’/kg + 7.5%). |
| Unmodified Crude Oil | NOT 1518 | Declaring unmodified oil as 1518 β Customs may reclassify or reject. |
| Mixed Fats | Check composition | If mixture contains <50% linseed, it may NOT be 1518.00.20.00. |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- If you are importing Linseed Acid Oil, ensure you do not incorrectly declare it as1518.00.40.00to avoid the 7.5% surcharge. However, if you are not using linseed, do not declare it as1518.00.20.00just to avoid the 0% rate (audits will catch this).
- Honest Classification:
- Non-Linseed Modified Acid Oil β1518.00.40.00(0% Tax) β BEST OPTION
- Linseed Modified Acid Oil β1518.00.20.00(6.3Β’/kg + 7.5%)
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Product is "Blown Linseed Oil" | Must use 1518.00.20.00. Do not try to classify as "Other." |
| Product is "Polymerized Soybean Acid Oil" | Must use 1518.00.40.00. This is 0% Tax. |
| Product is "Inedible Mixture" | If itβs a mix of different animal/vegetable fats that is inedible, it still falls under 1518. Check if itβs linseed-based. If not, 1518.00.40.00 (0%). |
| Customs Request for Proof of Modification | Provide MSDS and COA showing "Blown," "Oxidized," or "Polymerized" status. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1518.00.40.00 |
0% | None | Best for non-linseed modified oils. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 1518.00.20.00 |
6.3Β’/kg + 7.5% | None | Higher cost for linseed-based. |
| π¨π³ China | 1518.00.40.00 |
Varies | Check MOFCOM | Import duties may apply differently. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1518.00.40.00 |
0% | REACH | Generally low duty for chemically modified oils. |
| π¬π§ UK | 1518.00.40.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit trade rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers 0% tariff for most chemically modified fats/oils EXCEPT those specifically from Linseed/Flaxseed.
- If your "Refined Acid Oil" is derived from Soybean, Palm, or Rapeseed, and is chemically modified, you can enjoy 0% tariff under1518.00.40.00.
- If it is Linseed-based, expect the 6.3Β’/kg + 7.5% surcharge.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring Linseed Acid Oil as 1518.00.40.00 to save the 7.5%.
π Consequence: Customs audit β Penalty + Back Taxes + Possible Fraud Charges.
β Error 2: Declaring Unmodified Crude Acid Oil as 1518.00.40.00.
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 1515 or 1516 β Higher Duty + Delay.
β Error 3: Not specifying "Chemically Modified" on the Invoice.
π Consequence: Customs suspects itβs edible oil β Requires Food/Drug Admin (FDA) clearance first β Major Delay.
β Error 4: Ignoring the Specific Duty for Linseed Oil.
π Consequence: Underestimating landed cost by 6.3Β’/kg β Profit Erosion.
β Correct Approach:
βBlown Linseed Oil, Chemically Modified, Inedible, Model XYZ, MSDS Attachedβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βGeneral Modified? 1518.40.0% Tax. Linseed Modified? 1518.20.0% No! 6.3Β’ + 7.5%.β
πΉ βMSDS is King, Specify Modification, Avoid Edible Confusion!β
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Soybean Acid Oil that has been polymerized (for use in paints or lubricants), ensure you explicitly state βPolymerized Soybean Acid Oilβ and use 1518.00.40.00 to claim the 0% Tariff.
If you are importing Linseed Acid Oil, budget for the 6.3Β’/kg + 7.5% surcharge from the start.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Your Broker: Provide the MSDS and COA immediately.
π Verify Origin: Confirm if itβs Linseed-based.
πΌ Optimize Cost: Choose the correct HS code to avoid unexpected 7.5% surcharges or 0% missed opportunities.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent Counts in Chemical Trade!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.