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Importing coconut oil from the Philippines to the EU

The Philippines is one of the main suppliers of coconut oil to Europe. A workable import deal depends on three things: which grade you are buying (crude, refined or virgin), which EU food law requirements apply to your end use, and how the oil will be shipped and documented. This is a practical overview with pointers to the sources you should check before each contract.

By Hiram Trade Editorial Desk

Published

7 min read

Coconut oil grades

GradeWhat it isTypical use
Crude coconut oil (CNO, CCO)pressed from copra (dried kernel), unrefinedfeedstock for refining, oleochemicals
RBD (refined, bleached, deodorised)refined oilfood industry, cosmetics
VCO (virgin coconut oil)from fresh kernel, mechanical processing, no chemical refiningpremium food, cosmetics, retail

Crude oil from copra is not for direct consumption: it usually has higher free fatty acids and needs refining. When you buy CNO for food, you are in practice buying refinery feedstock.

Tariff code

Coconut oil falls under HS heading 1513:

  • 1513 11: crude oil;
  • 1513 19: other (for example RBD, and depending on processing, VCO).

The CN and TARIC split these further, including by intended use (food or technical) and package size. Check the duty rate and any GSP+ preference for Philippine origin in TARIC for your exact 10-digit code. See our guide to HS and CN codes.

Specification parameters

Coconut oil contracts usually specify the following. Limits depend on the grade and the standard the parties reference, so we do not quote numbers here. Ask the supplier for its specification sheet and certificates of analysis from recent lots.

  • free fatty acids (FFA), usually expressed as lauric acid;
  • moisture and impurities (M&I);
  • iodine value;
  • saponification value;
  • peroxide value;
  • colour (for example on the Lovibond scale);
  • melting point;
  • fatty acid composition;
  • for VCO: odour and taste, and often microbiological parameters.

A common reference for composition and quality characteristics is the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CXS 210-1999), which covers coconut oil and sets different quality criteria for refined and virgin oils. Write the test method (for example AOCS or ISO) and the umpire laboratory into the contract.

EU food law: the key acts

If the oil is destined for food, the EU importer becomes a food business operator responsible for compliance. Key acts:

  • Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (General Food Law): food safety, "one step back, one step forward" traceability, duty to withdraw unsafe food.
  • Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 (food hygiene): hygiene rules and HACCP-based procedures.
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (contaminants): maximum levels including for 3-MCPD and its esters, glycidyl fatty acid esters and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in vegetable oils. The 3-MCPD and glycidyl ester provisions were amended in 2026 by Regulation (EU) 2026/1825, so always work from the current consolidated text. Limits differ depending on whether the oil goes to consumers, is used as a food ingredient or goes into infant food.
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (official controls): the framework for checks on imported goods.

Pesticide residues are also subject to EU maximum residue levels. Organic oil falls under Regulation (EU) 2018/848, and imports require an electronic certificate of inspection in TRACES.

Check the requirements for your CN code and origin in the European Commission's Access2Markets tool. Oil for cosmetics or technical use falls under other rules (for example REACH), which this article does not cover.

Documents

A typical set for a sea shipment from the Philippines:

  • commercial invoice and packing list;
  • bill of lading or other transport document;
  • certificate of analysis for the lot, ideally from an independent or accredited laboratory;
  • proof of origin: to claim GSP+ preferences, a statement on origin made out by an exporter registered in the REX system (for consignments above EUR 6,000);
  • insurance certificate if the seller insures;
  • pre-shipment inspection report if agreed;
  • for organic oil: the TRACES certificate of inspection.

On the Philippine side, coconut product exports are overseen by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), which registers coconut-based businesses. Suppliers should confirm current PCA export requirements and any phytosanitary requirements with the relevant agencies. Do not assume a document is or is not needed: list the documents in the contract and check them with your customs broker.

For Philippine exporters: EU buyers will ask early for your PCA and SEC or DTI registration, recent certificates of analysis, contaminant test results from an accredited lab and your REX number. Having these ready shortens the buyer's due diligence considerably.

Logistics: flexitank, tank or drums

OptionWhenWatch out for
Flexitank in a 20' containermedium bulk lotssingle-use food-grade bag; heating needed at discharge
ISO tank containersmaller lots, high puritycost of returning the empty tank, previous cargo history
Ship's tanks (bulk)large lotsprevious cargo rules, tank cleanliness
Drums, IBCsVCO, small lots, resale in packshigher unit cost, easier distribution

Coconut oil solidifies at temperatures typical of European ports for much of the year. With flexitanks and tanks, plan heating before discharge.

For edible oils carried by sea in tanks not reserved for food, Commission Regulation (EU) No 579/2014 allows this provided the previous cargo is on the list of acceptable substances and the master keeps records of the three previous cargoes and the cleaning carried out. Ask for these records in the contract.

Incoterms for coconut oil

  • Containers (flexitank, ISO tank): FCA terminal at the port of loading, or CPT or CIP to the destination port. Avoid FOB and CIF for containers.
  • Bulk on a vessel: FOB, CFR or CIF are appropriate.
  • Delivered to plant: DAP or DPU if the supplier has a logistics partner in the EU.

Under CIF, the minimum insurance is Institute Cargo Clauses (C). See our guide to Incoterms 2020.

Checklist before signing

  • Grade and end use (food, technical, cosmetic) clearly defined.
  • Specification with test methods and umpire laboratory.
  • Current contaminant limits for your use checked.
  • TARIC code, duty rate and GSP+ conditions (REX) confirmed.
  • Document list written into the contract.
  • Packing, heating and previous cargo history agreed.
  • Supplier registrations (SEC or DTI, PCA) verified.

On Hiram you can post a coconut oil request with a full specification and compare quotes from Philippine suppliers by total landed cost. Go to the market.

Sources

This article is for information only and is not legal, tax or customs advice. Rules and rates change: check the current official sources or consult an adviser before you decide.

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