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HSChapter 15
U.S. imports of microbial fats, oils & their fractions (not chemically modified) (HS 151560) totaled $1.3M in April 2026, traded with 8 countries.
Importers of Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) paid $58K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $350K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) imports of $1.3M in April 2026 ran 116% above the year-to-date monthly average of $580K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataFermentation-derived microbial oils — including algal DHA/EPA oils and fungal arachidonic acid oils — are a rapidly growing category used in infant formula, dietary supplements, and functional food fortification, where they substitute for fish-derived omega-3 sources. A single tariff line (1515600500) covers all non-chemically-modified microbial fats and oils, a relatively new HS category reflecting the commercial emergence of precision fermentation. Germany and Canada are the leading US suppliers, consistent with the concentration of industrial biotechnology capacity in those markets. Because microbial oils intended for food or dietary supplement use are regulated by FDA, importers must ensure the producing organism and production process have appropriate GRAS or food additive authorization.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Microbial oils used as food ingredients — such as algal DHA or fungal ARA — must have either a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) determination or an approved food additive petition before they can be lawfully used in US food products. Importers should obtain documentation from the supplier confirming the regulatory status of the specific microbial strain and production process. FDA may detain shipments if the producing organism lacks a recognized US authorization.
A microbial fat or oil classifies under 151560 only if it has not been chemically modified after extraction — meaning no hydrogenation, interesterification, or similar chemical transformation. Oils that have undergone such processing move to Chapter 15 headings covering modified fats and oils. The production and post-extraction processing records from the manufacturer are the key documents for supporting this classification.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | $904K | $1.5M | +$619K |
| SWITZERLAND | -- | $1.6M | +$1.6M |
| IRELAND | -- | $238K | +$238K |
| SINGAPORE | -- | $229K | +$229K |
| CHINA | $163K | -- | -$163K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515600500 | MICROBIAL FATS, OILS AND FRACTIONS, NOT CHEM MODIF | $1.3M | 16.68% | $58K |
MICROBIAL FATS, OILS AND FRACTIONS, NOT CHEM MODIF
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1515600500 | MICROBIAL FATS, OILS AND FRACTIONS, NOT CHEM MODIF | $3.7M |
MICROBIAL FATS, OILS AND FRACTIONS, NOT CHEM MODIF
236.1K kg
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND ITS FRACTIONS
HS 150920
RAPESEED/COLZA OIL & FRACTIONS, LW ERUCIC ACID,CRD
HS 151411
RAPESEED/COLZA OIL & FRACTIONS, LW ERUCIC ACID,NES
HS 151419
ANML,VEG,MICROBIAL FAT OIL&FRACTION,CHEM MOD NESOI
HS 151800
FIXED VEG OIL, REF OR NOT, NESOI, NT CHEM MODIFIED
HS 151590
TALLOW OF BOVINE ANIMALS, SHEEP OR GOATS, NESOI
HS 150210
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $746K | $2.6M | +$1.8M |
| Iowa | -- | $504K | +$504K |
| Illinois | -- | $362K | +$362K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESTER, PA | -- | $1.6M | +$1.6M |
| HOULTON, ME | $596K | $570K | -$26K |
| DETROIT, MI | -- | $632K | +$632K |