U.S. imports of Refined Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil and Their Fractions (SITC 42249) totaled $59.2M in August 2026, imported from 21 countries.
Importers of Refined Palm Kernel or Babassu Oil and Their Fractions 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 dataRefined palm kernel oil (RPKO) and refined babassu oil, along with their fractions — including palm kernel stearin and palm kernel olein — are key inputs for confectionery fats, cocoa butter equivalents, and personal-care formulations. The refining process removes free fatty acids, color, and odor, producing a white, bland fat with a sharp melting curve that is valued in chocolate coatings and non-dairy creamers. Importers should ensure that fractions are clearly identified by melting point and iodine value on certificates of analysis, as these parameters determine end-use suitability and may affect classification.
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46 import shipments a month
For confectionery use, buyers typically specify iodine value (IV), slip melting point, and solid fat content (SFC) profile. Palm kernel stearin (high melting point, low IV) is preferred for hard coatings and cocoa butter equivalents, while palm kernel olein (lower melting point) is used in softer fillings and spreads. Suppliers should provide a full certificate of analysis confirming these parameters before shipment.
Yes. Refined palm kernel oil fractions intended for food use require FDA prior notice before or at the time of US arrival, and the exporting facility must be registered with FDA. Importers should also verify that the product meets applicable food-grade specifications. Consult a licensed customs broker or regulatory specialist to confirm current admissibility requirements.
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Basic heading 8 of 41 in section 4
Basic heading 42249 · $59.2M of $1.7B
Imports · August 2026
origin
Indonesia and Malaysia together supply 99% of it. Colombia pays 12.5% duty; Indonesia 0.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
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 and Their Fractions and exported $30.6M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.