Chemically Modified Animal, Vegetable & Microbial Fats, Oils & Fractions

Chemical modification — including epoxidation, sulfonation, and other reactions that alter the molecular structure beyond simple hydrogenation — places these fats and oils in heading 151800, which also captures inedible mixtures and preparations not covered by heading 1516. The US schedule distinguishes inedible linseed (flaxseed) oil mixtures and preparations (1518002000) from other chemically modified animal and vegetable fats and oils (1518004000), with a general line (1518000000) also present. China and Malaysia are the leading suppliers, consistent with their roles as major processors of industrial oleochemicals. Many products under this heading serve industrial rather than food applications — including use as plasticizers, lubricants, and surface coatings — so they typically do not trigger FDA food admissibility review, though correct classification between edible and inedible variants remains critical.

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