Product classification
HS code for Colza seeds: 1205.90
Oil seeds, rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken.
Classification of colza seeds under HS 1205.90
Colza seeds, also known as rapeseed, are classified under HS code 1205.90 when they do not meet the "low erucic acid" criteria. Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, and heading 1205 is specific to rape or colza seeds. The subheading 1205.90 is a residual category for seeds that have an erucic acid content of 2% or more by weight and a solid component of glucosinolates exceeding 30 micromoles per gram. These seeds are primarily used for industrial purposes, such as the production of lubricants, biofuels, or specific types of industrial oils, rather than for high-quality edible oils which typically require low erucic acid varieties (Canola). The classification applies whether the seeds are whole or broken, but they must not have been processed beyond basic cleaning, drying, or sorting. The distinction between low erucic and other colza seeds is vital for trade statistics and regulatory compliance, as the industrial variants are subject to different market standards and health regulations than those intended for human consumption.
- Covers
- High erucic acid colza seeds
- Industrial grade rapeseed
- Broken colza seeds (not low erucic)
- Whole colza seeds for oil extraction
- Non-canola rapeseed
- Also under 1205.90
- 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. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 1205.10, which is reserved for low erucic acid rape or colza seeds (Canola). The distinction depends entirely on the chemical composition (erucic acid content less than 2%). Misclassification can also occur with HS code 1207.99 for other oil seeds, but 1205 is the specific heading for all colza and rape varieties.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120590 (the code used for colza seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120590 (the code used for colza seeds) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 120590, not only colza seeds.
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 colza seeds
Brazil splits HS 1205.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1205.90.10Other rape or colza seed for sowing
- 1205.90.90Other rape or colza seed, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about colza seeds
What is the HS code for Colza seeds?
The HS code for Colza seeds is 120590 (Oil seeds; rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken). The HS code for colza seeds (other than low erucic) is 1205.90.
How do I classify Colza seeds for customs?
Colza seeds is classified under HS code 120590 — Oil seeds; rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is "low erucic acid" defined in the HS?
Low erucic acid rape or colza seeds are defined as those yielding a fixed oil which has an erucic acid content of less than 2% by weight, typically classified under 1205.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of colza seeds (HS 120590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120590 (the code used for colza seeds) 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 colza seeds (HS 120590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120590 (the code used for colza seeds) 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.
Is the HS code for Colza seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120590 for Colza seeds is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for colza seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for colza seeds depends on the product's details: 1205.90.10 (Other rape or colza seed for sowing), 1205.90.90 (Other rape or colza seed, not for sowing).