Product classification
HS code for Crude linseed oil: 1515.11
Vegetable oils, linseed oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified.
Classification of crude linseed oil under HS 1515.11
Crude linseed oil is classified under HS code 1515.11. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the botanical origin and the state of processing. Chapter 15 encompasses animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Within this chapter, heading 1515 is reserved for other fixed vegetable fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. The subheading 1515.11 specifically identifies linseed oil and its fractions in their crude state. To qualify for this code, the oil must be obtained from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) through mechanical expression or solvent extraction without undergoing further refining processes such as neutralization, bleaching, or deodorization. The term \"crude\" implies that the oil retains its natural color, odor, and impurities characteristic of the initial extraction phase. This classification is vital for trade statistics and the application of specific tariffs that distinguish between raw agricultural inputs and processed industrial or food-grade oils.
- Covers
- Raw flaxseed oil
- Unrefined linseed oil fractions
- Cold-pressed crude linseed oil
- Solvent-extracted crude linseed oil
- Also under 1515.11
- AkzoNobel (paints)
- Sherwin-Williams (paints)
- Forbo (linoleum)
- Printing ink manufacturers
- Industrial coating producers
Codes often confused with 1515.11
Common mistake. Crude linseed oil is frequently confused with refined linseed oil, which falls under HS code 1515.19. The distinction lies in whether the oil has undergone purification processes. Another common error is classifying it under HS code 1518.00, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils that have been chemically modified, such as boiled, oxidized, or dehydrated oils. If the linseed oil has been heat-treated to become \"boiled linseed oil,\" it must be moved to 1518.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151511 (the code used for crude linseed oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151511 (the code used for crude linseed oil) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 20% 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 151511, not only crude linseed oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $89M 61% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$10M 7.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $10M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Norway $25M 20% of world imports
- 2 Chile $15M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $15M 12% of world imports
World total: $124M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for crude linseed oil
Brazil classifies crude linseed oil under NCM 1515.11.00: HS 1515.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crude linseed oil
What is the HS code for Crude linseed oil?
The HS code for Crude linseed oil is 151511 (Vegetable oils; linseed oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified). The HS code for crude linseed oil is 1515.11.
How do I classify Crude linseed oil for customs?
Crude linseed oil is classified under HS code 151511 — Vegetable oils; linseed oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include boiled linseed oil?
No, boiled linseed oil is considered chemically modified and is classified under HS code 1518.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of crude linseed oil (HS 151511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151511 (the code used for crude linseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($89M, 61% of world exports), Russia (about $10M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 crude linseed oil (HS 151511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151511 (the code used for crude linseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($25M, 20% of world imports), Chile ($15M) and Japan ($15M). World imports came to about $124M, 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 Crude linseed oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151511 for Crude linseed oil 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 crude linseed oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, crude linseed oil (HS 151511) is classified under NCM 1515.11.00.