Gossypol is a naturally occurring toxic compound in cottonseed. Subheading 151221 covers crude cottonseed oil in which gossypol has not been removed, making it unsuitable for direct human consumption without further refining. Once refined to remove gossypol, the oil moves to subheading 151229. This distinction matters for FDA admissibility and for determining the appropriate end-use declaration.

A blend of two oils covered by the same heading (1512) is still classified within 1512, but the specific subheading depends on which oil predominates by weight. If the blend contains oils from different chapters or headings, classification follows the essential character rules in the General Rules of Interpretation. A binding ruling from CBP is the safest path for borderline blends.