Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormBottled edible oil (liquid)
Industry PositionConsumer packaged food and culinary ingredient
Market
Sesame oil (óleo de gergelim) in Brazil is a niche culinary oil, commonly positioned for Asian-cuisine flavoring and dish finishing, with toasted variants marketed for strong aroma and darker color. Trade data for HS 151550 indicates Brazil is a net importer: imports in 2023 were about USD 3.12 million (519,011 kg), while exports are comparatively small. Key import origins in 2023 included Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Lebanon. Market access and continuity for imported sesame oil depend heavily on correct import petitions/clearance workflows and Portuguese labeling compliance under Brazil’s food labeling rules.
Market RoleNet importer (imports exceed exports) with niche domestic production/bottling
Domestic RoleNiche retail and foodservice cooking oil/seasoning, sold in small packs (e.g., toasted sesame oil variants) via specialty and general grocery channels
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and shelf-stable product characteristics; demand is more cuisine/usage-driven than harvest-season-driven.
Specification
Secondary Variety- Toasted (roasted) sesame oil
- Light/refined sesame oil
Physical Attributes- Color can range from light (refined) to darker reddish-brown (toasted/roasted variants)
- Aroma intensity is a key acceptance factor, especially for toasted variants
- Retail packs commonly appear in small bottles (e.g., 100–250 ml) in glass or PET packaging
Compositional Metrics- Quality control commonly relies on oxidation and degradation indicators (e.g., peroxide value, free fatty acids) alongside identity/composition checks consistent with Codex named-vegetable-oil references.
Packaging- Small-format consumer bottles (glass or PET), typically with sealed caps for tamper evidence
- Light/heat protection is relevant for quality preservation during storage and distribution
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Sesame seed sourcing → cleaning → (optional) roasting for toasted oil → mechanical pressing/expelling → filtration → bottling/labeling → import clearance (if imported) → distributor/retailer/foodservice delivery
Temperature- Typically handled as ambient cargo; quality preservation benefits from avoiding prolonged high-heat exposure during storage and inland distribution.
Shelf Life- Oxidation and flavor deterioration are influenced by exposure to light and oxygen; packaging choice and storage conditions are key practical controls.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImport clearance can be delayed or blocked if the shipment’s prior-consent/filing workflow is incorrect (e.g., wrong or outdated Portal Único Siscomex LPCO/LI model for food import petitions) or if Portuguese labeling requirements for packaged foods (including importer identification and nutrition labeling) are not met.Use an experienced Brazilian importer of record; confirm current Anvisa/Siscomex LPCO/LI model requirements before shipping; run a pre-shipment label and dossier check against RDC 727/2022 and RDC 429/2020 obligations and keep evidence on file.
Logistics MediumSea-freight delays and domestic distribution disruptions can cause stockouts in a niche, import-reliant category, while freight and inland cost volatility can materially affect landed costs for bottled oils.Hold safety stock for key SKUs, diversify origin/supplier options, and consider mixed strategies (import finished goods vs. local bottling) where commercially viable.
Food Safety MediumSesame oil quality can deteriorate via oxidation/rancidity if exposed to heat, light, or oxygen during storage and distribution, leading to sensory rejection or quality complaints even when regulatory compliance is met.Specify oxidation-control QC (e.g., peroxide/FFA limits), use protective packaging, and enforce storage/handling guidance across the distribution chain.
Labor & Social MediumIf sourcing sesame seeds or processing inputs from Brazilian agricultural suppliers, labor compliance issues in rural supply chains can create reputational and procurement risk for importers/brands and downstream buyers.Screen upstream suppliers against the MTE Cadastro de Empregadores (“Lista Suja”) and implement supplier audits and contractual labor compliance clauses.
Sustainability- Buyer-driven responsible sourcing and traceability expectations can extend to oilseed-derived products in Brazil (even when sesame is not a major deforestation-linked commodity), especially for multinational retail and foodservice procurement.
Labor & Social- Upstream agricultural supply chains in Brazil can face labor-rights risks; buyers often screen suppliers against official enforcement/monitoring tools such as the MTE’s public Cadastro de Empregadores (“Lista Suja”) for labor analogous to slavery.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
What HS/NCM code is commonly used for sesame oil in Brazil trade classification?At the 6-digit HS level, sesame oil is classified as HS 151550 (“sesame oil and fractions”). In Brazil’s Mercosur NCM system, it is commonly referenced as NCM 1515.50.00 for “óleo de gergelim e respectivas frações”, and products sold in Brazil may display this NCM on commercial listings.
Is sesame (gergelim) one of the mandatory allergens that requires the specific “ALÉRGICOS:” warning statement in Brazil?Brazil’s Anvisa RDC 26/2015 defines a specific list of “principais alimentos que causam alergias alimentares” that require mandatory “ALÉRGICOS:” warning statements, and sesame (gergelim) is not included in that list. Sesame oil still needs compliant ingredient identification and overall labeling in Portuguese under Brazil’s packaged-food labeling rules.
Which countries supplied most of Brazil’s sesame oil imports in 2023?For HS 151550 in 2023, reported top supplier countries to Brazil by import value included Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Lebanon, with total imports reported at about USD 3.12 million (519,011 kg).