1512 - Sunflower-seed, safflower or cottonseed oil, and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified:

This HTS category, 1512, encompasses fixed vegetable oils derived from sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cottonseed. It includes these oils and their fractions, regardless of whether they have undergone refining processes. However, it is crucial to note that any chemical modification of these oils would result in their exclusion from this specific classification.

Within Section III, which deals with animal and vegetable fats, oils, and their cleavage products, category 1512 differentiates itself from other oil-related headings by its specific sourcing. Unlike sibling categories that might cover animal fats or oils from different plant sources (e.g., olive oil, palm oil), 1512 is strictly limited to the three named seeds. Furthermore, it is distinct from Chapter 15's focus on prepared edible fats or waxes, as it pertains to the raw or refined oils themselves.

The subcategories within 1512 provide a necessary distinction between the types of oils covered. The first subdivision specifically addresses sunflower-seed and safflower oil, acknowledging their shared properties and classification. The second subcategory then isolates cottonseed oil and its fractions. This breakdown allows for more precise tariff application based on the specific botanical origin of the oil.