Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormEdible vegetable oil (crude or refined)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient
Market
Coconut oil in Greece functions primarily as an import-dependent edible-oil ingredient and niche retail cooking fat rather than a domestically produced oilseed product. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows Greece imported coconut oil under HS 151319 (non-crude) at about USD 16.9 million (about 12,156 tonnes) in 2023, with major reported supplying partners including the Philippines and Malaysia alongside intra-EU trade partners such as Germany and Italy. Greece also imported HS 151311 (crude) at about USD 1.9 million (about 1,406 tonnes) in 2023, with Bulgaria and the Philippines among the reported supplying partners. Market access and product acceptance are driven by EU food-law compliance (traceability, labelling, and contaminant limits) and by supplier quality documentation for refined oils.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and ingredient market)
Domestic RoleImported edible oil used in retail and as an ingredient for downstream food manufacturing; limited scope for domestic repacking/bottling and redistribution within the EU single market.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common commercial forms include crude (for further refining) and refined/deodorized edible coconut oil; “virgin” and “cold pressed” are recognized processing descriptions in Codex for oils obtained by mechanical procedures.
Compositional Metrics- Codex STAN 210-1999 provides fatty-acid composition ranges for authentic coconut oil, including lauric acid (C12:0) 45.1–53.2% and myristic acid (C14:0) 16.8–21.0% of total fatty acids (GLC ranges).
Grades- HS 151311 — crude coconut oil
- HS 151319 — coconut oil (other than crude), whether or not refined, not chemically modified
Packaging- Food-grade drums (steel or HDPE) and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are commonly used for bulk ingredient shipments; smaller retail packs are used for consumer channels.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Extra-EU origin production/refining → ocean freight → EU entry and official controls (risk-based) → Greek importer storage → repacking/bottling and/or ingredient distribution → retail/food manufacturing end users
Temperature- Coconut oil can transition between solid and liquid near typical room temperatures; handling plans may be needed in cooler months to keep bulk product pumpable and to avoid delays during unloading.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with EU maximum levels for process contaminants in edible oils—especially glycidyl fatty acid esters and 3-MCPD/3-MCPD fatty acid esters—can trigger detention, withdrawal, or rejection of imported coconut oil consignments in Greece (EU market).Contractually require batch Certificates of Analysis for glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters against Regulation (EU) 2023/915 limits; qualify refiners with validated mitigation controls (refining conditions) and implement incoming testing on a risk basis.
Ethical Sourcing MediumReputational and buyer-access risk may arise if coconut supply is linked to alleged monkey harvesting practices in Thailand, potentially causing customer delisting or enhanced due-diligence demands for Thailand-origin supply.Maintain origin transparency and obtain documented supplier assurances and third-party audit evidence for animal-welfare/ethical harvesting policies; consider origin diversification where buyer requirements exclude Thailand-origin coconuts.
Logistics MediumCoconut oil’s tendency to solidify near room temperatures can create unloading/handling delays in cooler periods, while long-haul import dependence exposes Greece to ocean freight volatility and route disruptions affecting landed cost and lead times.Plan winter logistics with temperature management (e.g., scheduling, warming procedures) and hold safety stock for critical industrial users; diversify supply routes and maintain alternative EU stock points where feasible.
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabelling and claims non-compliance (e.g., mandatory particulars and nutrition declaration rules) can result in enforcement actions by competent authorities and commercial delisting in Greece’s retail channels.Pre-approve Greek/EU label artwork against Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and keep documented traceability/technical files available for inspection.
Labor & Social- Ethical sourcing scrutiny: alleged use of trained monkeys to harvest coconuts in parts of Thailand’s coconut supply chain has led to retailer actions and ongoing NGO campaigning; Greek/EU buyers may request origin assurances and animal-welfare/ethical-harvest attestations where Thailand-origin material is in scope.
Standards- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety
- IFS Food Standard
- FSSC 22000
FAQ
Which HS codes are most commonly used for coconut oil imports into Greece?Coconut oil is commonly declared under HS heading 1513, with HS 151311 for crude coconut oil and HS 151319 for coconut oil other than crude (whether or not refined, not chemically modified). Greece’s 2023 import statistics reported in UN Comtrade via World Bank WITS are available for both HS 151311 and HS 151319.
What is the most critical EU food-safety compliance risk for refined coconut oil sold in Greece?A key deal-breaker risk is failing EU maximum levels for process contaminants in edible oils—especially glycidyl fatty acid esters and the sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters—regulated under Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915. Importers typically mitigate this by requiring batch-level testing documentation and qualifying refiners with validated controls.
Where does Greece source coconut oil from, based on recent trade statistics?UN Comtrade data presented by World Bank WITS indicates Greece imports coconut oil from both extra-EU origins and intra-EU partners. For HS 151319 in 2023, major reported partners included the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as EU partners such as Germany and Italy; for HS 151311 (crude) in 2023, reported partners included Bulgaria and the Philippines.