U.S. exports of Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) (HS 151560) totaled $1.8M in August 2026.
Importers of Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) paid $15K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 12.30% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) imports of $125K in August 2026 ran 78% below the year-to-date monthly average of $556K.
Last updated: August 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.
8 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 4 of 8 in heading 1515
Subheading 151560 · $1.8M of $48.3M
ImportsExports
Imports
$125KYoY · free account
Exports
$1.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $5.5M of Microbial Fats, Oils & Their Fractions (Not Chemically Modified) and exported $25.6M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515600500 | Microbial Fats, Oils and Fractions, Not Chem Modif | $125K | 12.30% | 89.44% | $15K |
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 | $1.8M |
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.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Switzerland and Canada together take 85% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
10.6% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 12.30% of imports for consumption.