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HSChapter 15
U.S. imports of microbial fats, oils & their fractions (not chemically modified) (HS 151560) totaled $1.4M in July 2026, traded with 9 countries.
Importers of Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) paid $139K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 9.7% on $1.4M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) imports of $1.4M in July 2026 ran 131% above the year-to-date monthly average of $618K.
Last updated: July 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.
15 shipments/mo
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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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515600500 | Microbial Fats, Oils and Fractions, Not Chem Modif | $1.4M | 9.71% | 100.00% | $139K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1515600500 | Microbial Fats, Oils and Fractions, Not Chem Modif | $662K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.4MYoY · Pro
Exports
$662KYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Germany and Brazil together supply 79% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
the effective duty rate is 9.71%.