HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1205.90 – Oil seeds; rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken
HS code 1205.90 is the 6-digit subheading for oil seeds, rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken. It is used for high erucic acid rapeseed, industrial rapeseed, rapeseed for lubricants, rapeseed for biofuels and colza seeds (industrial grade).
What HS 1205.90 covers
This HS code encompasses rape or colza seeds that are not of the low erucic acid variety, meaning they typically contain higher levels of erucic acid. These seeds are primarily traded for industrial applications rather than human consumption, distinguishing them sharply from canola (low erucic acid rape seeds). Key uses include the production of lubricants, biofuels, and certain chemical derivatives. Major producers and exporters often include countries with strong agricultural sectors and chemical industries, such as parts of Europe and Asia. Importers are typically industrial manufacturers seeking raw materials for their processes. The trade volume for these seeds is generally smaller than for edible oilseeds but remains significant for specific industrial niches. Quality parameters often focus on oil content and specific fatty acid profiles suitable for industrial processing. Understanding the "other than low erucic" distinction is crucial for proper classification and trade.
- Covers
- High erucic acid rapeseed
- Industrial rapeseed
- Rapeseed for lubricants
- Rapeseed for biofuels
- Colza seeds (industrial grade)
- Rapeseed for oleochemicals
- Winter rapeseed (industrial)
- Examples
- Specific industrial-grade rapeseed varieties from companies like BASF
- Syngenta (for industrial applications)
- various European agricultural cooperatives supplying industrial processors.
Codes often confused with 1205.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 120510 (Low erucic acid rape or colza seeds) due to the similar plant origin, but the key differentiator is the erucic acid content and intended use (industrial vs. edible).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120590, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120590 in UN Comtrade data was Romania, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Romania $621M 37% of world exports
- 2 France $311M 18% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $124M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $295M 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $218M 20% of world imports
- 3 Bulgaria $180M 17% of world imports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 1205.90 2
Brazil splits HS 1205.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1205.90.10 Other rape or colza seed for sowingPara semeadura (sementeira)
- 1205.90.90 Other rape or colza seed, not for sowingOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1205.90
What is HS code 120590?
HS code 120590 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil seeds; rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken. This HS code encompasses rape or colza seeds that are not of the low erucic acid variety, meaning they typically contain higher levels of erucic acid. These seeds are primarily traded for industrial applications rather than human consumption, distinguishing them sharply from canola (low erucic acid rape seeds). Key uses include the production of lubricants, biofuels, and certain chemical derivatives. Major producers and exporters often include countries with strong agricultural sectors and chemical industries, such as parts of Europe and Asia. Importers are typically industrial manufacturers seeking raw materials for their processes. The trade volume for these seeds is generally smaller than for edible oilseeds but remains significant for specific industrial niches. Quality parameters often focus on oil content and specific fatty acid profiles suitable for industrial processing. Understanding the "other than low erucic" distinction is crucial for proper classification and trade.
What products fall under HS code 120590?
High erucic acid rapeseed, Industrial rapeseed, Rapeseed for lubricants, Rapeseed for biofuels, Colza seeds (industrial grade), Rapeseed for oleochemicals, Winter rapeseed (industrial)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120590?
This code is often confused with 120510 (Low erucic acid rape or colza seeds) due to the similar plant origin, but the key differentiator is the erucic acid content and intended use (industrial vs. edible).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120590?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120590 in UN Comtrade data were Romania ($621M, 37% of world exports), France ($311M) and Belgium ($124M). World exports came to about $1.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 120590?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120590 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($295M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($218M) and Bulgaria ($180M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 120590 structured?
HS code 120590 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120590?
Brazil splits HS code 120590 into 2 NCM codes: 1205.90.10 (Other rape or colza seed for sowing), 1205.90.90 (Other rape or colza seed, not for sowing). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.