Castor Oil
Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the castor plant. It is used as a raw material in chemicals, cosmetics, and lubricants.
Prices, specifications and international trade for castor oil under HS 151530.
Castor Oil Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Castor oil is quoted in USD/t at IND. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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India led reported castor oil exports in 2025, at $1.1B.
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Castor oil grading factors include Free Fatty Acid (FFA) Content, Iodine Value, and Viscosity.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for castor oil considers Free Fatty Acid (FFA) Content, Iodine Value, and Viscosity.
- Free Fatty Acid (FFA) Content
Buyers assess the percentage of free fatty acids; lower values indicate higher purity and better stability.
- Iodine Value
Measures the degree of unsaturation; castor oil typically has a low iodine value (~85‑95) reflecting its high ricinoleic acid content.
- Viscosity
Viscosity at 40 °C is a key quality parameter; typical values range from 180‑210 mm²/s.
- Moisture Content
- Color and Odor
Castor oil should be clear to pale yellow with a characteristic mild, slightly nutty odor; any off‑color or rancid smell indicates degradation.
Typical Specification Ranges
Castor oil specifications record free fatty acid, iodine value, viscosity (40 °c). These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Free Fatty Acid | 0.10–0.50 % |
|---|---|
| Iodine Value | 85–95 g I₂/100 g |
| Viscosity (40 °C) | 180–210 mm²/s |
| Moisture | 0–0.10 % |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for castor oil include High Free Fatty Acid, Rancidity, and Contamination with Impurities.
- High Free Fatty Acid
Elevated FFA leads to reduced shelf life and can cause soap formation during processing.
- Rancidity
Oxidative degradation produces off‑odors and colors, indicating poor storage conditions.
- Contamination with Impurities
Presence of seed fragments, dust, or foreign matter can affect downstream applications.
- Excess Moisture
Elevated water content promotes hydrolysis and microbial growth.
Certifications
Certifications documented for castor oil include ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- ISO 9001
Quality management system certification ensuring consistent production processes.
- ISO 22000
Food safety management certification applicable when castor oil is intended for food‑grade use.
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Ensures that the oil meets hygiene and quality standards for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications.
- HACCP
Hazard analysis and critical control points certification for controlling safety risks during production.
Castor Oil Facts and HS Code
Castor oil belongs to vegetable oils within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 151530.
Castor Oil HS Code
| Also known as | Ricinus oil |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ricinus communis |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Refined |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Vegetable oils — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 151530 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | IND |
Production & Handling
Castor oil storage guidance: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep containers tightly sealed.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | None |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep containers tightly sealed. |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical castor oil packaging includes Steel Drum, Fiberboard Bag, and Bulk Tanker.
- Steel Drum
Standard 200 L (55 gal) drums with sealed lids, commonly used for bulk shipments.
- Fiberboard Bag
Multi‑layered 25 kg (55 lb) bags designed for safe handling and transport.
- Bulk Tanker
Large‑capacity stainless‑steel tankers for direct loading at ports or refineries.
Uses & Risks
Castor oil is used in Industrial lubricants, Biodiesel feedstock, and Cosmetics and personal care.
End Uses
- Industrial lubricants
Used as a high‑viscosity base oil for specialty lubricants in machinery and equipment.
- Biodiesel feedstock
Transesterified to produce biodiesel with favorable cold‑flow properties.
- Cosmetics and personal care
Emollient and skin‑conditioning agent in creams, lotions, and hair products.
- Pharmaceuticals
Active ingredient in laxative formulations and topical medicinal preparations.
- Polymer and resin production
Feedstock for polyurethane, alkyd resins, and other polymeric materials.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Chemical manufacturing, Cosmetics and personal care, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive and machinery lubrication, Polymer and resin production |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Ricin contamination Food safetyHigh Improper processing of castor beans can leave residual ricin, a potent toxin, in the oil, posing serious health hazards if ingested. | Implement validated detoxification steps, such as high‑temperature refining and rigorous testing for ricin residues. |
Adulteration with cheaper vegetable oils FraudMedium Unscrupulous suppliers may blend castor oil with lower‑cost oils (e.g., soybean or palm) to increase volume, compromising product specifications and safety. | Conduct routine compositional analysis (e.g., GC‑MS) and enforce supplier certification to verify purity. |
Castor bean weevil (Spermophagus sp.) infestation PestMedium Weevil larvae can damage stored castor beans, leading to mold growth and mycotoxin formation that may carry over into the extracted oil. | Maintain low humidity storage, use fumigation or integrated pest management, and inspect raw beans before processing. |
Castor Oil Questions
- What are the key quality parameters buyers should verify for castor oil?
- Buyers should check the acid value, iodine value, and moisture content to ensure the oil meets specifications. The presence of contaminants such as heavy metals and residual solvents should also be confirmed through laboratory analysis.
- How should castor oil be stored to maintain its stability?
- Castor oil should be stored in tightly sealed, light‑protected containers at temperatures below 25 °C. Keeping the oil away from moisture and oxidizing agents helps prevent hydrolysis and rancidity during storage and transport.
- What processing steps are typically required before castor oil can be used in industrial applications?
- The oil is usually refined through neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization to remove free fatty acids and impurities. For certain applications, additional steps such as hydrogenation or polymerization may be applied to achieve the desired viscosity and functional properties.