U.S. imports of Refined Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil, Not Chemically Modified (HS 151329) totaled $59.2M in August 2026, imported from 21 countries.
Importers of Refined Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil, Not Chemically Modified paid $50K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 0.08% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPalm kernel oil — extracted from the seed of the oil palm fruit and distinct from palm oil proper — is refined here without chemical modification and serves as a key feedstock for lauric-acid-based surfactants, confectionery fats, and personal care ingredients. Indonesia and Malaysia together dominate global palm kernel oil production and are the leading suppliers to the US market, creating a geographically concentrated supply chain that is sensitive to sustainability certification requirements increasingly demanded by US food and cosmetics buyers. The single US tariff line (1513290000) covers both palm kernel and babassu oil fractions, though babassu — sourced primarily from Brazil — represents a minor share of trade volume.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
46 import shipments a month
Many US food manufacturers and personal care brands require RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification — either Mass Balance or Segregated supply chain — to meet corporate sustainability commitments and retailer requirements. Importers should confirm that the refinery and upstream mill hold current RSPO certificates and that the supply chain documentation (certificate of origin, RSPO certificate number) is available for customer audits.
Palm kernel oil is derived from the palm seed and has a high lauric acid content (similar to coconut oil), giving it a sharp melting profile useful in confectionery coatings and surfactant production. Palm oil, by contrast, is pressed from the fruit pulp and is rich in palmitic acid with different functional properties. They are classified under different HTS headings — palm oil falls under heading 1511 — so the source material and extraction method must be clearly documented to support correct classification.
ImportsExports
Imports
$59.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$3.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $778.7M of Refined Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil, Not Chemically Modified and exported $30.6M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 151329 — Refined Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil, Not Chemically Modified, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1513290000 | Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil, Refined, Nt Chem Modfd | $59.2M | 0.08% | 0.65% | $50K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1513290000 | Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil, Refined, Nt Chem Modfd | $3.6M |
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.
Subheading 1 of 4 in heading 1513
Subheading 151329 · $59.2M of $145.3M
Imports · August 2026
origin
Indonesia and Malaysia together supply 99% of it. Colombia pays 12.5% duty; Indonesia 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
99.3% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 0.08% of imports for consumption.