Sesame oil is a premium vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Sesamum indicum plant. It is one of the world’s most ancient and valued oils — prized for its nutty flavor, nutritional richness, medicinal benefits, and industrial versatility. Beyond the oil itself, sesame seed processing yields several high-value by-products that can also be exported or used in various industries.
Exporting sesame oil and its derivatives offers multiple revenue streams and access to diverse global markets — from food to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and livestock feed.
1. Sesame Oil (Primary Product)
Types of Sesame Oil
| Type | Description | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Pressed / Virgin Sesame Oil | Mechanically extracted without heat or chemicals; retains full aroma, flavor, and nutrients. | Premium food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals |
| Refined Sesame Oil | Filtered and deodorized for a neutral taste and longer shelf life. | Packaged foods, pharmaceuticals |
| Toasted Sesame Oil | Made from roasted seeds; deep aroma and dark color. | Asian cuisine, gourmet markets |
Sesame Oil Specifications (Typical Export Standard)
| Parameter | Standard |
|---|---|
| Moisture Content | ≤ 0.2 % |
| Free Fatty Acid (FFA) | ≤ 1.5 % |
| Peroxide Value | ≤ 10 meq/kg |
| Iodine Value | 103 – 120 |
| Color | Light yellow (refined), golden brown (virgin), dark amber (toasted) |
| Shelf Life | 12 – 24 months (sealed, cool storage) |
Export Packaging Options
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250 ml / 500 ml / 1 L / 2 L PET bottles (retail)
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5 L / 20 L jerry cans (food service)
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200 L food-grade steel drums (bulk)
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Flexitanks (20,000 L) for industrial-scale exports
HS Code
15155000 — Sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
2. Sesame Oil By-Products
Sesame oil production yields valuable co-products that create circular value chains and additional export opportunities:
A. Sesame Cake / Sesame Meal (Defatted Cake)
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What it is: The solid residue left after oil extraction.
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Appearance: Brownish, flaky or powdery.
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Protein Content: 35 – 50 % (high-protein).
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Moisture: ≤ 10 %.
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Uses:
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Livestock feed (cattle, poultry, fish feed).
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Organic fertilizer (rich in nitrogen).
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Raw material for protein supplements.
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HS Code: 230690 — Oil-cake and other solid residues from vegetable fats or oils.
B. Sesame Lecithin (Optional Product from Refining Process)
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What it is: Natural emulsifier extracted during oil refining.
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Uses:
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Food additive (chocolate, margarine, bakery).
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Cosmetics (lotions, creams).
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Pharmaceuticals (soft-gel capsules).
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High-value product with niche markets.
C. Sesame Husk / Shells
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What it is: Outer shell of the seed removed before pressing.
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Uses:
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Biomass for bio-energy (pellets or briquettes).
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Organic compost and mulch.
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Paper pulp or industrial absorbents.
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Export Markets & Opportunities
Global Demand Drivers
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Food Industry: Asia, Middle East, Europe, and North America — for cooking oils and gourmet foods.
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Cosmetics & Skincare: Natural oils preferred in organic beauty industries.
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Animal Feed Industry: High demand for plant-based protein meals.
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Bio-energy Sector: Growing interest in biomass alternatives.
Target Export Destinations
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Europe: Germany, Netherlands, UK, France.
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Asia: Japan, China, South Korea, India.
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Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.
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North America: USA, Canada.
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Africa: Regional trade within ECOWAS & COMESA.
Export Documentation (General Requirements)
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Certificate of Origin
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Phytosanitary Certificate (for by-products if required)
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Quality Analysis / Laboratory Report
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NAFDAC Certification (for Nigerian exporters)
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Commercial Invoice & Packing List
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Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
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Export License & Contract Agreement
Why Export Sesame Oil & Its By-Products?
High global demand.
Value-added diversification beyond raw seeds.
Multiple market segments (food, pharma, cosmetics, agriculture).
Excellent shelf life and transport stability.
Strong return on investment with proper branding and packaging.
Summary
Sesame oil and its by-products represent a complete export ecosystem. From high-grade culinary oil to livestock feed, bio-waste, and cosmetic ingredients, sesame processing provides a wide range of export-ready commodities. With proper quality control, packaging, and market targeting, exporters can unlock sustainable profits in global trade.
