HS 150500 Wool grease, crude

Quick Answer: Crude wool grease, also known as wool fat or lanolin, imported under HS 150500 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 3.20% (MFN), and the US at 1.3¢/kg (MFN). This HS code specifically covers the unrefined grease obtained from sheep's wool, typically a byproduct of wool scouring. Trade considerations include potential variations in duty rates based on preferential trade agreements, particularly for the US market where several countries benefit from duty-free entry. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific tariff schedules for the most accurate and up-to-date rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1505001000 0.00 % — —
1505009000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1505001000 3.20 % — —
1505009000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1505001000 1.3¢/kg Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
150500 — — —
1505009000 2.4% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 1505.00?

Imports of Wool grease, crude may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 150500 cover?

This subheading covers wool grease, crude, also known as wool fat or lanolin, in its raw, unpurified state. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes the fatty substance obtained from the scouring of wool. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that it is the natural grease extracted from sheep's wool, typically containing wool alcohols, acids, and esters, before any significant refining processes are applied.

What falls outside HS 150500?

The following products are excluded from HS 150500: refined wool grease, lanolin derivatives, and any processed forms of wool grease that have undergone significant purification or chemical modification. For instance, purified lanolin used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, or chemically altered wool grease esters, would be classified under different headings, often in Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) or Chapter 33 (Essential Oils and Resinoids; Perfumery, Cosmetic or Toilet Preparations), depending on their specific characteristics and intended use.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 150500?

A common error is the misclassification of partially refined or purified wool grease as crude wool grease. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable under two or more headings, the heading that describes the essential character of the goods shall be taken. Importers may incorrectly classify refined lanolin under 150500, overlooking the fact that the purification process fundamentally alters the product's character, necessitating classification in a more specific heading based on its refined state.

How should importers classify products under HS 150500?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 150500 involves a thorough examination of the product's origin and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the wool grease is in its crude, unpurified form, directly obtained from the scouring of wool. Reviewing supplier documentation, including Certificates of Analysis and product descriptions, is crucial to confirm that no significant refining or chemical alteration has occurred, aligning the product with the WCO's HS nomenclature and national tariff interpretations.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 150500?

A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of crude wool grease, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 1505.00.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 150500?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 150500, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating crude wool grease from Canada or Mexico may enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin, completed by the exporter, is required by US Customs and Border Protection. Other agreements, like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), may offer reduced rates for eligible developing countries, often requiring a GSP Form A.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 150300 HS 151010 HS 150210 HS 150120 HS 150710 HS 150430

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 150500 (Wool grease, crude)?

Import duty rates for HS code 150500 vary significantly by country. For example, the United States applies a 3.20% ad valorem duty under its Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. Canada's General Tariff rate is 9.5¢/kg. The European Union, under the TARIC system, often has a 0.00% duty rate for this classification, while the UK Trade Tariff also shows a 0.00% duty rate. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for precise rates.

How is the duty for HS code 150500 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty calculation for HS code 150500 depends on whether the rate is ad valorem (based on value) or specific (based on weight). For instance, if importing into the United States with a 3.20% ad valorem rate, and the declared value of the wool grease is $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 * 0.0320 = $320. If the rate were specific, such as Canada's 9.5¢/kg, and you imported 1,000 kg, the duty would be 1,000 kg * $0.095/kg = $95. Always verify the applicable rate basis (ad valorem or specific) and currency.

What are the classification criteria for HS code 150500?

HS code 150500 covers wool grease, crude, including wool fat. This material is obtained from the scouring (cleaning) of wool. It is essentially the fatty substance extracted from the wool fibres. It is typically a semi-solid or viscous liquid at room temperature. The key is that it is derived directly from the wool scouring process and has not undergone significant refining or processing beyond its initial extraction.

Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 150500?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 150500. For example, the United States' tariff schedule indicates 'Free' rates for imports from countries such as Australia (AU), Canada (CA - under USMCA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG). The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list 'Free' rates under various preferential agreements, often denoted by specific codes (e.g., 'A' for EFTA, 'D' for various developing countries). Importers should always check the specific origin of their goods against the importing country's preferential trade agreement list.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 150500?

Standard import documentation for HS code 150500 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the wool grease; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement. It's also advisable to have technical data sheets or specifications confirming the nature of the 'wool grease, crude' to support its classification.