Moringa Oil
Moringa oil, also traded as ben oil, is pressed from the seed of Moringa oleifera, a fast growing drought tolerant tree native to the Indian subcontinent and now grown across the tropics. The oil is unusually high in behenic acid, which is where the name ben oil comes from, and it is exceptionally resistant to going rancid. It is used in skincare, haircare and perfumery, where its stability and its ability to hold fragrance are the reasons it is chosen, and as a specialty culinary and lubricating oil. The press cake is used as a natural flocculant for water treatment and as animal feed.
Listed moringa oil markets
Each line is a grade at a delivery point. Open one for its full specification and terms.
Grades
Moringa oil is graded on the pressing route, on whether the seed was shelled, and on the oleic and behenic acid figures that separate a genuine moringa oil from a substituted one.
Processing route and form
9 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Shelled or unshelled seedDeclared | Shelled kernel gives a cleaner, paler oil and a higher yield per unit pressed. Unshelled pressing carries husk fragments into the crude. |
| Cold pressedMechanically pressed with the press outlet held below a stated temperature | Temperature is a contract term, not an adjective. It preserves the minor components and the flavour, and it costs yield. |
| Expeller pressedMechanically pressed without a declared temperature ceiling | Higher yield, darker oil, higher free fatty acids. |
| Solvent extractedHexane extraction of the seed or of the press cake | The highest yield route. Residual solvent is a contract and regulatory term. |
| Refined, bleached and deodorisedFully refined by the stated route, chemical or physical | A neutral oil. Colour, flavour and free fatty acids are removed, and so are most of the minor components. |
| Virgin, unrefinedNo refining step after pressing | Pale yellow, faint nutty odour. The cosmetic grade. |
| FiltrationDeclared: unfiltered, filtered to a stated micron rating, or winterised | Determines clarity and behaviour at low temperature. |
| OrganicCertified under the destination market scheme, with dedicated pressing | Named on the contract with the certifier and certificate number, because the press line has to be documented as well as the crop. |
| Species declarationMoringa oleifera or Moringa peregrina, named | The two species give different oils and very different prices. The species is a contract term, not a detail. |
Quality and condition
14 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Oxidative stability indexHours at a stated temperature, by the standard method | This oil is bought for its stability. That is a measured figure, not a claim. |
| Free fatty acidsPercentage, expressed as the stated reference acid | Determined by ISO 660. The controlling commercial figure. It rises with poor fruit or seed, slow processing and wet storage. |
| Peroxide valueMilliequivalents of active oxygen per kilogram | Determined by ISO 3960. Measures oxidation already under way. |
| Anisidine valueDimensionless, by the standard method | Determined by ISO 6885. Measures secondary oxidation, which peroxide value alone will miss in an oil that has already turned over. |
| TotoxTwice the peroxide value plus the anisidine value | The combined oxidation term, where a buyer contracts one number. |
| Moisture and volatile matterMaximum percentage by mass | Determined by ISO 662. |
| Insoluble impuritiesMaximum percentage by mass | Determined by ISO 663. |
| ColourLovibond red and yellow in a stated cell length, or a stated instrumental scale | Measured, not described. |
| Iodine valueGrams of iodine per 100 grams | Determined by ISO 3961. Measures unsaturation, and with it drying behaviour and oxidative stability. |
| Saponification valueMilligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram | Determined by ISO 3657. An identity figure. |
| Unsaponifiable matterMaximum percentage by mass | The fraction that is not fatty acid. Carries the sterols, tocopherols and the value in the cosmetic trade. |
| Refractive indexAt a stated temperature | A fast identity and adulteration check. |
| Soap contentMilligrams per kilogram | Applies to refined oil. Residue from neutralisation. |
| PhosphorusMilligrams per kilogram | The measure of residual gums. Governs whether the oil will behave in downstream processing. |
Composition and authenticity
6 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Oleic acidPercentage of the fatty acid profile | The dominant fatty acid. A high oleic figure is the first identity check. |
| Behenic acidPercentage of the fatty acid profile | The characteristic long chain fatty acid of moringa and the reason it is called ben oil. Its presence is the second identity check. |
| Fatty acid profilePercentage of each fatty acid by gas chromatography of the methyl esters | Determined by ISO 12966. The fingerprint of the oil and the first authenticity check. |
| Sterol compositionPercentage of each sterol and total sterol content | Determined by ISO 12228. Detects blending with a cheaper oil that shares a similar fatty acid profile. |
| Tocopherols and tocotrienolsMilligrams per kilogram, by HPLC | The natural antioxidant content. Governs shelf life and is a value term in cosmetics. |
| Triacylglycerol compositionBy HPLC, reported as the distribution | A second authenticity layer, because it is far harder to counterfeit than a fatty acid profile. |
Contaminants
8 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsMicrograms per kilogram, benzo(a)pyrene and the sum of four | Comes from direct fire drying and smoke contact at origin. Tested against destination market limits. |
| 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl estersMicrograms per kilogram | Formed at high refining temperatures. Applies to refined oil. |
| Mineral oil hydrocarbonsMilligrams per kilogram, MOSH and MOAH | Comes from lubricants, jute bags and transport. Tested where the destination market requires it. |
| Solvent residueMilligrams per kilogram of hexane | Applies to solvent extracted oil. |
| Pesticide residuesMilligrams per kilogram | Tested against destination market maximum residue limits. |
| Heavy metalsMilligrams per kilogram | Lead, arsenic, cadmium, iron and copper. Iron and copper matter twice over, because they catalyse oxidation in the drum. |
| Dioxins and PCBsPicograms of toxic equivalent per gram of fat | Tested where the destination market requires it. |
| AflatoxinsMicrograms per kilogram | Applies where the oilseed or kernel carries a mould risk before pressing. |
Certification and packing claims
7 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| OrganicCertificate under the destination market scheme | EU, NOP, JAS or an equivalence arrangement. Named on the contract with the certifier and certificate number. |
| Fairtrade, Fair for Life or equivalentCertificate and transaction certificate | Named scheme, with the transaction certificate issued for the specific lot. |
| Kosher and HalalCertificate from the named authority | Certificate travels with the lot. |
| Food grade or cosmetic gradeDeclared, with the corresponding specification | Determines the applicable limits and the packing. |
| Non GMODeclaration, with PCR testing on the source material where required | Applies where the crop has a genetically modified counterpart. |
| Chain of custodyDocumented from harvest to press to drum | Evidenced at every transfer where the lot carries an origin or a community claim. |
| PackingDeclared: flexitank, ISO tank, drum, jerrycan or IBC, with liner and headspace treatment | Nitrogen blanketing and liner type are contract terms, because they decide what the peroxide value looks like on arrival, not on shipment. |
Grades outside this list trade on request. Send us the contract specification you work to and we will price against it.
Locations
| Country | Region | We trade it as |
|---|---|---|
| India | South Asia | Origin |
| Philippines | Southeast Asia | Origin and destination |
| Kenya | Africa | Origin |
| Ghana | Africa | Origin |
| Nigeria | Africa | Origin and destination |
| Tanzania | Africa | Origin |
| Uganda | Africa | Origin |
| Ethiopia | Africa | Origin |
| Malawi | Africa | Origin |
| Zambia | Africa | Origin |
| Senegal | Africa | Origin |
| Burkina Faso | Africa | Origin |
| Egypt | Africa | Origin and destination |
| Sudan | Africa | Origin |
| Madagascar | Africa | Origin |
| South Africa | Africa | Origin and destination |
| Mexico | North America | Origin and destination |
| Nicaragua | North America | Origin |
| Dominican Republic | North America | Origin |
| Brazil | South America | Origin and destination |
| Paraguay | South America | Origin |
| Thailand | Southeast Asia | Origin and destination |
| Cambodia | Southeast Asia | Origin |
| Sri Lanka | South Asia | Origin |
| United States | North America | Destination |
| Canada | North America | Destination |
| United Kingdom | Europe | Destination |
| France | Europe | Destination |
| Germany | Europe | Destination |
| Netherlands | Europe | Origin and destination |
| Italy | Europe | Destination |
| Spain | Europe | Destination |
| Japan | East Asia | Destination |
| South Korea | East Asia | Destination |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | Origin and destination |
| Australia | Oceania | Destination |
Origins and destinations outside this list trade on request. We are not limited to the locations shown here.
Timing
Harvest is when the crop is taken at origin. Arrival is when a shipment from that origin typically lands in a consuming market. The gap between them is processing, grading and the voyage.
HarvestArrival
| Origin | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Feb to May, arrival Apr to JulTamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The largest producing origin, with a secondary pod set later in the year in irrigated plantings. | ||||||
| Kenya | Harvest | Harvest | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Jan to Aug, arrival Mar to OctCoast and eastern counties. Two pod sets follow the two rain seasons. | ||||
| Ghana | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest Nov to Jan, arrival Jan to MarNorthern and Brong Ahafo. Dry season pod harvest. | |||||||
| Tanzania | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Jun to Aug, arrival Aug to OctCoastal and lake zones. | |||||||
| Philippines | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Mar to May, arrival May to JulLuzon and Mindanao. Locally called malunggay. | |||||||
| Nicaragua | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Feb to Apr, arrival Apr to JunPacific dry corridor plantings. | |||||||
| Senegal | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest Nov to Jan, arrival Jan to MarThies and the Niayes zone. | |||||||
| Sudan | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest Dec to Feb, arrival Feb to AprNile irrigated plantings. Also an origin for Moringa peregrina from the Red Sea hills. |
Windows outside this pattern trade on request, including carry, forward positions and stock already sitting in a destination warehouse.
Customs, packing and contract terms
Indicative terms for moringa oil. Tariff classification is the importer’s responsibility and limits change, so confirm both against the destination customs authority and the current regulation before you fix a contract.
- HS heading1515.90 Other fixed vegetable oils, including moringa oil
- PackingFlexitanks of 20 t to 24 t, IBCs of 1000 litres, or 190 kg lacquer lined steel drums. Butters and solid fats in 25 kg cartons or 200 kg drums. Nitrogen blanket for oils that oxidise.
- Container loading20ft: one flexitank at 20 t to 24 t, or 80 drums at roughly 15 t. Heated stow or heating coils where the fat solidifies below deck temperature.
- Contract and arbitrationFOSFA contracts with FOSFA arbitration in London, or NIOP trading rules for United States trade. Free fatty acid, moisture and impurities, peroxide value and colour are the operative quality clauses, established on FOSFA analysis methods.
- Destination limitsEU limits on 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in refined oils and erucic acid limits under Regulation 2023/915, pesticide MRLs under Regulation 396/2005, and novel food authorisation under Regulation 2015/2283 for oils without a pre-1997 EU history of consumption. US FDA food additive and GRAS status applies.
Common questions
What grades of moringa oil does SIP Global trade?
We quote 44 published grades of moringa oil, including Shelled or unshelled seed - Declared, Cold pressed - Mechanically pressed with the press outlet held below a stated temperature, Expeller pressed - Mechanically pressed without a declared temperature ceiling, Solvent extracted - Hexane extraction of the seed or of the press cake, Refined, bleached and deodorised - Fully refined by the stated route, chemical or physical and Virgin, unrefined - No refining step after pressing. Every grade is tied to a delivery point and a settlement route. Grades outside the published list are priced on request.
How is moringa oil graded?
Moringa oil is graded on the pressing route, on whether the seed was shelled, and on the oleic and behenic acid figures that separate a genuine moringa oil from a substituted one. Grading runs on 5 systems: Processing route and form, Quality and condition, Composition and authenticity, Contaminants and Certification and packing claims.
Where does SIP Global trade moringa oil?
We trade moringa oil in India, Philippines, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia and 28 further markets. Origins and destinations outside this list trade on request. We are not limited to the locations shown.
When is moringa oil harvested and when does it arrive?
Typical windows are India: harvest feb to may, arrival apr to jul; Kenya: harvest jan to aug, arrival mar to oct; Ghana: harvest nov to jan, arrival jan to mar; Tanzania: harvest jun to aug, arrival aug to oct; Philippines: harvest mar to may, arrival may to jul. Harvest is when the lot is taken at origin, arrival is when a shipment from that origin lands in a consuming market. Windows outside this pattern, including carry, trade on request.
What is the HS code for moringa oil?
Moringa oil is normally classified under HS 1515.90 (other fixed vegetable oils, including moringa oil). The heading follows the form the goods are in at the border, and national tariffs extend it beyond six digits, so confirm the full line with the destination customs authority before you fix a contract.
How do I get a price for moringa oil?
Send the grade, the origin and the delivery window to the SIP Global desk. That is enough for a trader to come back with a level and a settlement route. 1 listed moringa oil market is published on this page, each with its full specification and terms. We take both sides, physical and financial, prompt to long dated.
Standards and data sources
The grading language on this sheet follows published standards. Trade volumes and tariff lines are public record. Verify anything here against the source.
- ISOInternational Organization for Standardization
- Codex AlimentariusFAO and WHO food standards
- UN ComtradeOfficial international trade statistics by HS code
- ITC Trade MapBilateral trade flows and tariff data
- FAOSTATFAO production and trade series for agricultural commodities
Price this with our desk
Grade, origin and window if you have them. If what you are carrying does not fit the sheet above, describe it in your own words and a trader will take it from there.