Palm Oil

Agricultural Commodities, Foodstuff Exports / By

What It Is

Palm Oil is a versatile edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). It is one of the most widely consumed vegetable oils in the world due to its diverse applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial uses. Palm oil is characterized by its reddish color (in crude form) due to high beta-carotene content and its balanced fatty acid composition that makes it semi-solid at room temperature.

What Export of Palm Oil Is

The export of Palm Oil involves the processing, packaging, and shipment of crude or refined palm oil to international markets. Nigeria is among the top producers of palm oil, with growing global demand from Europe, Asia, and North America. Exporting palm oil requires meeting strict international standards for food safety, sustainability (RSPO certification in some markets), and proper packaging to ensure quality during long-distance shipping.

Export Specifications

  • Product Types:

    • Crude Palm Oil (CPO) – reddish, less processed.

    • Refined Palm Oil (RBD Palm Oil) – odorless, colorless, and widely used in food industries.

    • Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) – derived from the kernel/seed, used in soap, cosmetics, and industrial applications.

  • Moisture Content: Max 0.1%

  • Free Fatty Acid (FFA): Max 5% (CPO) / Max 0.1% (Refined Palm Oil)

  • Color (Lovibond): 3-5R (Refined Palm Oil)

  • Impurities: Max 0.02%

  • Packaging:

    • 25L, 30L, or 50L Jerry Cans

    • 190kg Steel Drums

    • Flexi Tanks (20–21 MT per 20ft container)

    • Bulk shipment in tankers for industrial buyers

Uses of Palm Oil

  • Food Industry

    • Cooking and frying oil

    • Margarine and shortening

    • Bakery products, biscuits, and snacks

    • Ice cream and chocolate production

  • Cosmetic & Personal Care

    • Soaps and shampoos

    • Skin lotions and creams

    • Lipsticks and other beauty products

  • Pharmaceutical & Industrial

    • Medicinal formulations

    • Biofuel production (biodiesel)

    • Lubricants, candles, and detergents

Export Forms

  • Crude Palm Oil (CPO) – mostly exported in bulk for refining abroad.

  • Refined Palm Oil (RBD Palm Oil) – packaged for direct consumption or industrial use.

  • Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) – exported mainly for cosmetics and industrial purposes.

  • Fractionated Palm Oil (Palm Olein & Palm Stearin) – widely used in food and frying industries.

Global Market & Demand

Palm oil is in very high demand globally, with the market driven by:

  • Growing global food industry

  • Rising demand for plant-based oils in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

  • Increased adoption of palm oil as a biodiesel feedstock

  • Top Importing Countries: India, China, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, UK, and USA.

  • UK Market Demand: Palm oil is widely used in bakery, confectionery, and cosmetic industries, but buyers often request sustainably sourced (RSPO certified) palm oil.

HS Codes for Palm Oil Export

  • 1511.10 – Crude Palm Oil

  • 1511.90 – Refined Palm Oil and Fractions

  • 1513.21 – Crude Palm Kernel Oil

  • 1513.29 – Refined Palm Kernel Oil

Palm Oil remains one of the most profitable export commodities from Nigeria due to its wide industrial applications and ever-growing demand across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

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