Olive oil customs code: HS 1509 and 1510 nomenclature (2022

Q: What is the customs code for olive oil?

Olive oil falls under heading HS 1509 . Since the 2022 revision, we distinguish 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin), 1509.40 (other virgins) and 1509.90 (others, including refined). Pomace oil falls under 1510 .

Q: What HS code for extra virgin olive oil?

The code 1509.20 (HS 2022). It corresponds to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the premium category defined by an acidity ≤ 0.80 % and a sensory panel without defect. It is the subheading to use on your export documents.

Q: What changed with the HS 2022 revision?

The former subheading 1509.10 (virgin olive oil, all types) was split into 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin) and 1509.40 (other virgins). This now explicitly distinguishes the categories. The code 1509.10 is obsolete.

Q: What is the difference between 1509 and 1510?

Heading 1509 covers olive oil (virgin and refined), obtained from the olive itself. Heading 1510 covers olive-pomace oil , extracted from the milling residues (often with solvent). These are two distinct customs products, not to be confused.

Q: Is the HS code the same in all countries?

The first 6 digits (e.g. 1509.20) are harmonized worldwide by the WCO. Beyond that, each country adds its own subdivisions: TARIC at 10 digits for the EU, HTS at 10 digits for the USA. Always verify the complete line of the destination country.

Q: Does the customs code influence the customs duty?

Yes, directly. The HS code determines the duty rate , the import VAT and the eligibility for preferential agreements (EU quota, GAFTA…). A wrong classification leads to surtax, blockage or customs reassessment.

Q: What code for refined olive oil?

Refined olive oil and blends (refined + virgin) fall under 1509.90 (other olive oils and fractions). This is distinct from virgin oils (1509.20 to 1509.40) and pomace (1510).

Q: What code for organic olive oil?

Organic does not change the HS code: an organic extra virgin remains under 1509.20 . Organic certification (EU 2018/848, USDA NOP) and the TRACES inspection certificate are separate documents, which are added to the customs classification. See our certifications.

Q: Where is the HS code found on export documents?

On the commercial invoice , the packing list , the customs declaration and the certificate of origin . Consistency of the code across the whole set is essential: a discrepancy blocks or slows clearance.

Q: Who determines the HS code of a shipment?

The exporter classifies the product according to its nature and process, under their responsibility, relying if needed on a freight forwarder or a binding tariff information (BTI in the EU). In case of doubt, the customs of the import country decides.

In brief

Olive oil falls under heading 1509 of the Harmonized System (HS): this is the 4-digit customs code that designates it in international trade. Since the HS 2022 revision, the former subheading 1509.10 (virgin oil) was split to explicitly distinguish extra virgin (1509.20), virgin (1509.30) and other virgin oils (1509.40); heading 1509.90 covers other olive oils (including refined and blends). Finally, olive-pomace oil falls under a separate heading: 1510. The right code determines the customs duty, the import VAT and the eligibility for agreements (EU quota, GAFTA…).

The HS is harmonized at 6 digits worldwide; the 7th and 8th digits (or even 10th) are specific to each country / bloc (TARIC for the EU, HTS for the USA). Always verify the complete code of the destination country before quoting. July 2026 data �.

Understanding the Harmonized System (HS)

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), managed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), classifies all traded products. It is read by levels:

Chapter (2 digits): 15 = animal/vegetable fats and oils.
Heading (4 digits): 1509 = olive oil and its fractions; 1510 = other olive oils (pomace).
Subheading (6 digits): worldwide harmonized level (e.g. 1509.20).
National tariff line (8-10 digits): specific to each country (EU TARIC, US HTS).

The first 6 digits are identical everywhere; beyond that, each customs authority adds its subdivisions and rates.

The HS 2022 revision: what changed for olive oil

Before 2022, the nomenclature mainly distinguished 1509.10 (virgin olive oil, all types combined) and 1509.90 (others). The HS 2022 revision split the former 1509.10 to reflect the real commercial categories:

Former (before 2022)	New (HS 2022)	Content
1509.10 (virgin, overall)	1509.20	Extra virgin olive oil
1509.10 (virgin, overall)	1509.30	Virgin olive oil
1509.10 (virgin, overall)	1509.40	Other virgin olive oils
1509.90	1509.90	Others (refined, blends of refined + virgin oil)

This split improves statistical traceability and the application of duties by category. Make sure your documents use the 2022 nomenclature and not the former 1509.10, now obsolete.

Table of olive oil HS codes

HS code (6 dig.)	Description	Quality match	Export use
1509.20	Extra virgin olive oil	EVOO (acidity ≤ 0.80 %, panel without defect)	Premium, bulk & packaged
1509.30	Virgin olive oil	Virgin (acidity ≤ 2.0 %)	Mid-range
1509.40	Other virgin olive oils	Virgins not classified as extra/virgin (e.g. lampante before refining)	Industry / refining
1509.90	Other olive oils and fractions	Refined, blend of refined + virgin	Mass consumption
1510	Olive-pomace oil and fractions	Pomace (residues, solvent extraction)	By-product / industry

Indicative correspondences between IOC/EU commercial categories and HS codes — customs classification considers the nature and process, not just the label. July 2026 �.

The HS code directly affects the delivered cost: simulate duties + VAT with the export cost calculator.

Focus on heading 1510: pomace oil

Olive-pomace oil (obtained by extraction, generally with solvent, from the residues of milling: the pomace) is not classified under 1509 but under 1510. The 2022 revision distinguishes there, notably, crude pomace oil from refined / treated oil.

It is a point of vigilance: confusing 1509 and 1510 is a frequent classification error, with an impact on duties and compliance. Pomace oil is a distinct product, often for industrial use, never to be marketed as "olive oil" in the strict sense.

The HS code determines duties, VAT and agreements

The customs code is not just a formality: it triggers taxation and access to preferences.

Bloc / market	Impact of the HS code	Benchmark
EU	Duty according to the Tunisian tariff quota (TRQ); outside the quota, high specific duty	0 % within the TN quota 09.4032; reduced import VAT (FR 5.5 %, IT/ES 4 %)
USA	HTS line (10 dig.) derived from the HS; MFN duty + surtax context	MFN ~3.4-5 ¢/kg + fluctuating surtaxes — see a US broker
Gulf (GAFTA)	0 % with an Arab certificate of origin	vs 5 % GCC outside the agreement; VAT KSA 15 %, UAE 5 %
Canada / UK / Switzerland	Duty according to bilateral agreement	often 0 % for food — to be confirmed

The right code, associated with the right certificate of origin (EUR.1 for the EU, Arab CO for GAFTA), opens tariff preferences. A wrong code = surtax, blockage or reassessment. Details by market in our export markets guide.

Customs documents where the HS code appears

The HS code (and its national tariff line) appears on the entire documentary set:

Commercial invoice and proforma invoice.
Packing list.
Customs declaration (Tunisian export and destination import).
Certificate of origin (EUR.1, Arab CO) and preferential documents.
Bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB).

Consistency of the code across the whole set is essential: a discrepancy between the invoice and the declaration slows or blocks clearance.

Buyer side / seller side

Buyer side (importer)	Seller side (exporter)
Verify the complete tariff line (8-10 dig.) of their country, the associated duty and VAT, and eligibility for the quota / preferential agreement before calculating the delivered price.	Classify the product according to the HS 2022 nomenclature (never the former 1509.10), ensure the consistency of the code across the whole set, provide the right certificate of origin.
CTA: request a quote	CTA: train for export

Golden rule: validate the exact HS code and the real duty of the destination country before any quotation — a wrong classification wipes out the margin or blocks the lot.

FAQ — Olive oil customs code

What is the customs code for olive oil?

Olive oil falls under heading HS 1509. Since the 2022 revision, we distinguish 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin), 1509.40 (other virgins) and 1509.90 (others, including refined). Pomace oil falls under 1510.

What HS code for extra virgin olive oil?

The code 1509.20 (HS 2022). It corresponds to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the premium category defined by an acidity ≤ 0.80 % and a sensory panel without defect. It is the subheading to use on your export documents.

What changed with the HS 2022 revision?

The former subheading 1509.10 (virgin olive oil, all types) was split into 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin) and 1509.40 (other virgins). This now explicitly distinguishes the categories. The code 1509.10 is obsolete.

What is the difference between 1509 and 1510?

Heading 1509 covers olive oil (virgin and refined), obtained from the olive itself. Heading 1510 covers olive-pomace oil, extracted from the milling residues (often with solvent). These are two distinct customs products, not to be confused.

Is the HS code the same in all countries?

The first 6 digits (e.g. 1509.20) are harmonized worldwide by the WCO. Beyond that, each country adds its own subdivisions: TARIC at 10 digits for the EU, HTS at 10 digits for the USA. Always verify the complete line of the destination country.

Does the customs code influence the customs duty?

Yes, directly. The HS code determines the duty rate, the import VAT and the eligibility for preferential agreements (EU quota, GAFTA…). A wrong classification leads to surtax, blockage or customs reassessment.

What code for refined olive oil?

Refined olive oil and blends (refined + virgin) fall under 1509.90 (other olive oils and fractions). This is distinct from virgin oils (1509.20 to 1509.40) and pomace (1510).

What code for organic olive oil?

Organic does not change the HS code: an organic extra virgin remains under 1509.20. Organic certification (EU 2018/848, USDA NOP) and the TRACES inspection certificate are separate documents, which are added to the customs classification. See our certifications.

Where is the HS code found on export documents?

On the commercial invoice, the packing list, the customs declaration and the certificate of origin. Consistency of the code across the whole set is essential: a discrepancy blocks or slows clearance.

Who determines the HS code of a shipment?

The exporter classifies the product according to its nature and process, under their responsibility, relying if needed on a freight forwarder or a binding tariff information (BTI in the EU). In case of doubt, the customs of the import country decides.

Does the EU quota depend on the HS code?

Yes. The Tunisian tariff quota at 0 % (TRQ 09.4032) applies to specific HS codes of virgin olive oil. The right code, associated with the certificate via SICAD and the EUR.1, determines access to the preferential duty. See our markets guide.

How to verify the exact customs duty for my country?

Consult the official customs tariff of the destination country (TARIC for the EU, HTS for the USA) with the complete tariff line, or get support from a local freight forwarder / broker. Our export cost calculator gives a dated estimate to be confirmed.

Estimate the delivered cost according to your HS code

The customs code determines your import duty and VAT: never quote without having verified it for your market.

Export cost calculator — duties + VAT + fees according to the destination country.

Request a free quote — we indicate the applicable HS code and the preferential documents for your market.

Lead magnet: download our Guide to Exporting Olive Oil (HS codes, incoterms, certificates of origin, documentary checklist).

See also: incoterms · export markets · certifications · glossary.