Product classification
HS code for Flaxseed: 1204.00
Oil seeds, linseed, whether or not broken.
Classification of flaxseed under HS 1204.00
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is classified under HS code 1204.00. This heading is a single-level code that covers the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) whether they are whole or broken. It falls under Chapter 12, which encompasses oil seeds and oleaginous fruits. Flaxseed is primarily classified here because it is an oil-bearing seed used for the extraction of linseed oil or for direct consumption as a food supplement. The classification remains 1204.00 regardless of whether the seeds are intended for sowing, industrial oil production, or human nutrition. However, if the seeds have been roasted or otherwise processed beyond simple breaking or cleaning, they may move to other chapters. The simplicity of this heading reflects the uniform nature of the raw commodity in international trade, where it is treated as a primary agricultural product before any significant industrial transformation occurs.
- Covers
- Whole raw flaxseeds
- Crushed or broken linseeds
- Flaxseeds intended for oil extraction
- Raw flaxseeds for human consumption
- Flaxseeds for sowing purposes
- Also under 1204.00
- Bob's Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal
- Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed
- Barlean's Organic Lignan Flax Oil (derived from seeds)
- Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Flaxseed
- Nature's Way Flaxseed Oil (derived from seeds)
Codes often confused with 1204.00
Common mistake. Flaxseed is sometimes confused with sunflower seeds (1206.00) or other oil seeds in 1207. More importantly, if the flaxseed has been ground into a fine flour or meal for culinary use, it might be classified under 1208.90. Additionally, the residue left after oil extraction (oil-cake) is not classified here; it belongs in 2306.20. Roasted flaxseeds sold as a snack may be classified under 2008.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120400 (the code used for flaxseed), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120400 (the code used for flaxseed) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% 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 120400, not only flaxseed.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$508M 31% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Kazakhstan $428M 26% of world exports
- 3 Canada $167M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $557M 37% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $260M 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $114M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 codes for flaxseed
Brazil splits HS 1204.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1204.00.10Linseed (flaxseed) for sowing
- 1204.00.90Linseed (flaxseed), not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flaxseed
What is the HS code for Flaxseed?
The HS code for Flaxseed is 120400 (Oil seeds; linseed, whether or not broken). The HS code for flaxseed (linseed), whether or not broken, is 1204.00.
How do I classify Flaxseed for customs?
Flaxseed is classified under HS code 120400 — Oil seeds; linseed, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are roasted flaxseeds classified under 1204.00?
No, 1204.00 is for raw or broken seeds. Roasted flaxseeds are considered processed food and are typically classified under heading 2008.
Which countries are the top exporters of flaxseed (HS 120400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120400 (the code used for flaxseed) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $508M, 31% of world exports), Kazakhstan ($428M) and Canada ($167M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 flaxseed (HS 120400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120400 (the code used for flaxseed) in UN Comtrade data were China ($557M, 37% of world imports), Belgium ($260M) and Germany ($114M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Flaxseed the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120400 for Flaxseed 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 flaxseed in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120400 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for flaxseed depends on the product's details: 1204.00.10 (Linseed (flaxseed) for sowing), 1204.00.90 (Linseed (flaxseed), not for sowing).