Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormCastor oil (crude or refined)
Industry PositionSpecialty oleochemical feedstock and functional ingredient
Market
Castor oil (HS 151530) is an import-dependent specialty oil in Canada used mainly as a functional ingredient and oleochemical feedstock for cosmetics/personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations. UN Comtrade data via World Bank WITS indicates Canada imported about USD 16.2 million (about 6.19 million kg) of castor oil and its fractions in 2023, with imports dominated by India. Canadian buyers therefore emphasize consistent quality documentation (for example, lot COA and, where applicable, SDS/label compliance) and reliable logistics into Canadian distribution networks. Regulatory touchpoints depend on intended end use: cosmetics must align with Health Canada’s Cosmetic Regulations (including notification requirements and the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist), while workplace products may trigger WHMIS supplier label/SDS obligations.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent specialty ingredient market)
Domestic RoleDownstream formulation and consumption market (cosmetics/personal care, pharmaceutical/health products, industrial chemicals)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMisclassification or non-compliance tied to intended end use can block market access in Canada: cosmetics must be notified to Health Canada within 10 days after first sale and should be screened against the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, and workplace products that meet the definition of a hazardous product must meet WHMIS supplier label/SDS requirements.Confirm intended end use (industrial vs cosmetic vs pharmaceutical/health), complete and maintain required Health Canada cosmetic notifications where applicable, and ensure WHMIS label/SDS compliance (including bilingual requirements) when the product is supplied as a hazardous product.
Supply Concentration MediumCanada’s castor oil imports are highly concentrated in India (per UN Comtrade data via World Bank WITS for HS 151530), so origin-specific shocks (weather, policy, processing disruptions) can quickly tighten supply and raise landed costs in Canada.Qualify secondary origins/suppliers where feasible, contract critical volumes, and maintain safety stock for high-dependency formulations.
Logistics MediumAs a bulk liquid commodity typically moved by sea and inland freight, castor oil can face delay and cost volatility from container/bulk capacity constraints and route disruptions, affecting delivery reliability into Canadian plants.Lock in shipping windows, use appropriate bulk packaging (drums/IBCs/flexitanks) for the lane, and maintain contingency lead time in production planning.
Labor And Human Rights MediumUpstream castor cultivation in dominant-origin countries has documented social-risk themes (including child-labor risk) highlighted by responsible-sourcing programs, creating reputational and customer-audit exposure for Canada-bound supply chains.Implement supplier due diligence (audit/SAQ), require participation in or alignment with credible responsible-sourcing programs, and document remediation and monitoring for identified risks.
Sustainability- Upstream castor cultivation is associated with environmental and farm-practice risk themes that responsible-sourcing programs aim to address (for example, best farming practices, soil protection/crop rotation, and biodiversity considerations), which can translate into ESG due diligence expectations for Canada-bound supply chains.
Labor & Social- Upstream castor cultivation in India has been flagged for social-risk themes (including child-labor risk and labor/living standards) by responsible-sourcing initiatives such as Project Pragati (involving industry partners and Solidaridad).
FAQ
Which HS code is typically used for castor oil imports into Canada?Castor oil and its fractions are commonly classified under HS 1515.30 (often referenced at the 6-digit level as 151530). Importers can request a CBSA advance ruling to confirm the correct 10-digit Canadian tariff classification for a specific product description.
Where does Canada mainly source castor oil from?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows India as the dominant supplier for Canada’s 2023 imports of castor oil and its fractions (HS 151530), with smaller amounts reported from partners such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
If castor oil is used in a cosmetic sold in Canada, what is a key compliance step?The Canadian manufacturer or importer must submit a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) to Health Canada within 10 days after the first sale of the cosmetic in Canada, and the formulation should be checked against the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist for any prohibited or restricted substances.