Refined Sunflower Oil
Refined sunflower oil is a vegetable oil derived from sunflower seeds and is sold after refining, without chemical modification. It is classified among vegetable oils and used in food applications.
Prices, specifications and international trade for refined sunflower oil under HS 151219.
Refined Sunflower Oil Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Refined sunflower oil is quoted in USD/t at TUR. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore refined sunflower oil pricesRefined Sunflower Oil Exports and Imports
Türkiye led reported refined sunflower oil exports in 2025, at $1.3B.
Compare refined sunflower oil exporting countriesRefined Sunflower Oil Specifications and Quality
Refined sunflower oil grading factors include Free fatty acid content, Peroxide value, and Color.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for refined sunflower oil considers Free fatty acid content, Peroxide value, and Color.
- Free fatty acid content
Lower free fatty acid levels indicate less hydrolysis and better stability, which matters for frying performance and shelf life.
- Peroxide value
Measures initial oxidation; a low peroxide value signals fresher oil with less rancidity risk, important for neutral taste and odor.
- Color
A light, clear yellow color is expected after refining; darker shades may indicate over-processing or poor quality seeds, affecting consumer appeal.
- Flavor and odor
Refined oil should be bland and odorless; any off-flavors or smells suggest incomplete refining or contamination, impacting food product taste.
- Moisture and impurities
Low moisture and insoluble impurities prevent microbial growth and sediment, ensuring clarity and stability during storage.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for refined sunflower oil include Rancidity, Cloudiness or sediment, and Color darkening.
- Rancidity
Oxidative or hydrolytic rancidity produces off-flavors and odors, reducing oil quality and shortening its usable life.
- Cloudiness or sediment
Visible turbidity or settling can result from incomplete filtration or moisture, affecting appearance and consistency.
- Color darkening
Excessive heat or prolonged storage can darken the oil, indicating degradation and reducing its appeal for light-colored foods.
Refined Sunflower Oil Facts and HS Code
Refined sunflower oil belongs to vegetable oils within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 151219.
Refined Sunflower Oil HS Code
| Also known as | sunflower oil, sunflower seed oil |
|---|---|
| Product type | Intermediate |
| Form | Refined |
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Vegetable oils — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 151219 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | TUR |
Production & Handling
Refined sunflower oil storage guidance: Store refined sunflower oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly sealed to minimise oxygen exposure and prevent moisture ingress, which can accelerate oxidation and quality loss.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store refined sunflower oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly sealed to minimise oxygen exposure and prevent moisture ingress, which can accelerate oxidation and quality loss. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
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Packaging
Typical refined sunflower oil packaging includes Plastic bottles, Flexible pouches or bags in boxes, and Steel drums or totes.
- Plastic bottles
Common for retail and food service portions, offering convenience and protection from light when opaque or tinted.
- Flexible pouches or bags in boxes
Used for bulk food service and industrial quantities, providing efficient storage and easy pouring with a protective outer carton.
- Steel drums or totes
For large-scale industrial buyers, these reusable containers protect against oxygen and light, preserving oil quality during transport and storage.
Uses & Risks
Refined sunflower oil is used in Frying oil, Salad and cooking oil, and Bakery and confectionery ingredient.
End Uses
- Frying oil
Used for deep-frying and pan-frying, where its high heat stability and neutral flavor allow foods to cook evenly without transferring unwanted tastes.
- Salad and cooking oil
Used as a table oil for dressings, marinades, and general cooking, providing a light texture and subtle flavor that does not overpower other ingredients.
- Bakery and confectionery ingredient
Incorporated into baked goods, pastries, and confections to improve texture, moisture retention, and shelf life without altering taste.
- Margarine and spreads
Blended with other fats and emulsifiers to create margarine and spreads, where its consistency and stability at room temperature are valued.
- Mayonnaise and sauces
Emulsified with egg yolk or other stabilisers to produce creamy dressings and sauces, relying on its neutral taste and smooth mouthfeel.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food service and catering, Snack food manufacturing, Bakery and pastry production, Condiment and sauce manufacturing, Retail packaged foods |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Non‑compliance with non‑chemical modification requirement PolicyHigh The commodity must not be chemically modified; any unauthorized processing can breach HS classification rules and result in trade rejections. | Implement strict processing controls and certify that the oil remains unmodified beyond refining. |
Oxidative rancidity Food safetyMedium Refined sunflower oil, with low free fatty acid and moisture content, is prone to oxidation if exposed to heat, light, or air during storage, leading to off‑flavors and quality loss. | Store in sealed, opaque containers, keep temperature low, and limit exposure to air. |
Refined Sunflower Oil Questions
- What defines refined sunflower oil compared to crude oil?
- Refined sunflower oil is the fraction of sunflower seed oil that has been processed to remove free fatty acids (typically below 0.1%), moisture, and impurities, distinguishing it from crude or unrefined oil.
- What are the typical quality characteristics of refined sunflower oil?
- It usually has a free fatty acid content below 0.1%, low moisture and impurities (<0.05%), and a smoke point exceeding 225 °C, making it suitable for diverse culinary applications.
- How should refined sunflower oil be stored to maintain its quality?
- Store the oil in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors; keep containers tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and preserve its high smoke point.