1202.42.15.20 - For use as oil stock

This HTS category, 1202.42.15.20, specifically classifies peanuts (ground-nuts) that have been shelled, broken, and subsequently dry-blanched. Crucially, this classification applies only when these processed peanuts are intended for use as "oil stock." This designation signifies that the primary purpose of these peanuts is their utilization in the extraction of peanut oil, rather than for direct consumption or other industrial applications. The dry-blanching process involves removing the outer skin of the peanut kernel through a dry heat treatment, a step that distinguishes it from other blanching methods.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, 1202.42.15.40 ("Other"), lies in the specific intended use. While both categories encompass shelled, broken, and dry-blanched peanuts, 1202.42.15.20 is narrowly defined for oil stock purposes. The "Other" category would cover dry-blanched, shelled, and broken peanuts intended for any use other than oil stock, such as food-grade applications or animal feed. Therefore, the documentation and declaration of the intended end-use are paramount for accurate classification.

As a leaf node within the HTS, this category has no further subcategories. Classification is finalized at this point based on the physical characteristics (shelled, broken, dry-blanched) and the specific declared end-use as oil stock, provided the goods also meet the criteria of additional U.S. note 2 to this chapter and are entered pursuant to its provisions. This ensures that peanuts destined for oil production are precisely identified for customs and statistical purposes.