1517.90.90.85 - Cottonseed oil, wholly hydrogenated

This HTS subheading specifically covers cottonseed oil that has undergone a process of complete hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is a chemical process that converts unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids by adding hydrogen, resulting in a solid or semi-solid fat at room temperature. Wholly hydrogenated cottonseed oil is characterized by its high melting point and stability, making it suitable for various industrial applications where such properties are essential.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, while 1517.90.90.15 refers to partially hydrogenated salad and cooking oils, and 1517.90.90.25 covers wholly hydrogenated soybean oil, this classification focuses exclusively on the complete hydrogenation of cottonseed oil. This distinction is crucial as different oils, even when subjected to similar hydrogenation processes, possess unique characteristics that necessitate separate classifications.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges on the precise nature of the product: cottonseed oil that is wholly hydrogenated and falls under the broader category of "Other" prepared edible fats and oils not elsewhere specified within heading 1517.