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.

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

$11,509USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Microbial Oils Historical Unit Values

Microbial oils is quoted in USD/t at CHN. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Microbial Oils Exports and Imports

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United States led reported microbial oils exports in 2025, at $26.8M.

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Microbial 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.

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

Product type	Raw
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Vegetable oils — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed
HS codes	151560
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	CHN

Production & Handling

Processing steps for microbial oils include Microbial fermentation, Biomass harvesting, Oil extraction.

Production and Storage

Perishability	None
Temperature regime	Ambient
Processing steps	Microbial fermentation Biomass harvesting Oil extraction Purification/refining

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	Category	Severity	Mitigation
CITES export control PolicyMedium Export of microbial oils may be subject to CITES certification requirements, which can delay shipments if documentation is incomplete.	Policy	Medium	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.	Policy	Medium	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.