Microbial Oils
Microbial oils are microbial-derived fats and oils and their fractions that may be crude or refined but are not chemically modified. They are classified as vegetable oils for technical or industrial uses.
Prices, specifications and international trade for microbial oils under HS 151560.
Microbial Oils Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Microbial oils is quoted in USD/t at CHN. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Explore microbial oils suppliersMicrobial Oils Exports and Imports
United States led reported microbial oils exports in 2025, at $26.8M.
Compare microbial oils exporting countriesMicrobial Oils Specifications and Quality
Microbial oils grading factors include Processing state and Chemical modification status.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for microbial oils considers Processing state and Chemical modification status.
- Processing state
Distinguish crude, refined or partially processed microbial oil; buyers verify the declared state.
- Chemical modification status
Oil must not be chemically modified; verification ensures compliance with heading 1515.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for microbial oils include Oxidative rancidity, Hydrolytic rancidity, and Contamination with residual biomass.
- Oxidative rancidity
Caused by exposure to oxygen, light, or heat, leading to off-flavors and reduced nutritional quality.
- Hydrolytic rancidity
Enzymatic or chemical breakdown of triglycerides releases free fatty acids, causing soapy or bitter tastes.
- Contamination with residual biomass
Incomplete removal of microbial cells or debris can cause cloudiness, sediment, or off-odors in the oil.
Microbial Oils Facts and HS Code
Microbial oils belongs to vegetable oils within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 151560.
Microbial Oils HS Code
| Also known as | single-cell oils, microbial fats |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Refined |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Vegetable oils — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 151560 |
| HS6 description | Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | CHN |
Production & Handling
Microbial oils storage guidance: Store in sealed, food-grade containers away from light, heat, and oxygen. Keep in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to air after opening to minimize oxidation.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | None |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store in sealed, food-grade containers away from light, heat, and oxygen. Keep in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to air after opening to minimize oxidation. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical microbial oils packaging includes Food-grade stainless steel drums, Flexitank in container, and IBC totes.
- Food-grade stainless steel drums
Used for smaller lots where protection from oxygen and light is needed; common for specialty or high-value oils.
- Flexitank in container
Bulk liquid transport for larger volumes, providing a sealed, food-safe liner inside a standard shipping container.
- IBC totes
Reusable intermediate bulk containers for medium volumes, offering easy handling and dispensing for manufacturers.
Uses & Risks
Microbial oils is used in Technical or industrial applications.
End Uses
- Technical or industrial applications
Use in non‑food industrial products such as lubricants, bio‑fuels, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Industrial manufacturing, Chemical processing, Lubricant production |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
CITES export control PolicyMedium Export of microbial oils may be subject to CITES certification requirements, which can delay shipments if documentation is incomplete. | Obtain and verify CITES certificates before export and maintain records of compliance. |
Import control restrictions PolicyMedium Certain jurisdictions impose import controls on microbial oils, requiring specific health or phytosanitary documents, potentially causing customs delays. | Check destination country import regulations in advance and prepare required health or phytosanitary certificates. |
Microbial Oils Questions
- What are microbial oils?
- Microbial oils are fats and oils derived from microbial sources such as fungi, bacteria, or algae. They are classified as fixed (solid or semi‑solid at room temperature) and may be crude, refined, or partially processed but are not chemically modified.
- Are microbial oils refined or can they be used in crude form?
- Both forms exist: microbial oils can be supplied as crude (unrefined) or as refined/partially processed products, provided they have not undergone chemical modification.
- How should microbial oils be stored to maintain quality?
- Microbial oils should be kept in a cool, dry environment, protected from light and oxygen to prevent oxidation. Maintaining a stable temperature and using sealed containers helps preserve their stability.