1505.00 - Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin):

This HTS category, 1505.00, encompasses wool grease and any fatty substances derived from it, most notably lanolin. Wool grease is a complex mixture of fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols naturally secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep, and lanolin is its purified form. These substances are primarily valued for their emollient, moisturizing, and emulsifying properties, making them key ingredients in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications.

Distinguishing 1505.00 from its sibling categories within Chapter 15 is crucial. While other fats and oils in this chapter might be derived from animals (like lard or tallow) or vegetables, wool grease is specifically sourced from sheep's wool. It is distinct from crude animal fats and oils (such as those found in headings 1501-1504) due to its unique chemical composition and its origin. Furthermore, it is differentiated from prepared edible fats or waxes that may share some physical properties but not the specific origin and primary applications of wool grease.

The subcategories within 1505.00 provide further specificity. The heading is divided into "Wool grease, crude" (1505.00.10.00) and "Other" (1505.00.90.00). The crude classification pertains to the raw, unpurified wool grease directly obtained from the wool scouring process. The "Other" subcategory would cover purified wool grease, lanolin, and any chemically modified or refined derivatives thereof, catering to the diverse commercial forms and applications of these valuable substances.