Product classification
HS code for Linseed: 1204.00
Oil seeds, linseed, whether or not broken.
Classification of linseed under HS 1204.00
Linseed, also known as flaxseed, is classified under HS code 1204.00. This classification is straightforward as it resides in Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits. The Harmonized System provides a specific heading for linseed (Linum usitatissimum) regardless of its intended end-use, whether for industrial oil extraction (linseed oil), animal feed, or human consumption. A critical aspect of this classification is that the seeds remain under 1204.00 whether they are whole or broken. This means that physical damage or intentional cracking of the seed coat for processing does not change the HS code. However, the seeds must not have been roasted or otherwise cooked, as such processing would typically move the product into Chapter 20. The classification is determined by General Rule of Interpretation 1, following the specific text of heading 1204. As an oil seed, it is distinguished from cereal grains by its high lipid content and botanical origin. Even if the linseed is intended for sowing, it remains in this category unless it is specifically prepared and packaged as a seed for planting in a manner that meets the criteria of other specific agricultural headings, though 1204.00 is the primary global standard.
- Covers
- Whole flaxseeds
- Crushed or broken linseed
- Industrial grade linseed for oil pressing
- Raw linseed for animal consumption
- Bulk linseed for food processing
- 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. Linseed is often misclassified under HS code 1515.11 or 1515.19, which are actually for linseed oil and its fractions. Another common error is using HS code 1206.00 (sunflower seeds) or 1207.99 (other oil seeds) due to a lack of botanical specificity. If the linseed has been ground into a fine meal or flour, it should be classified under HS code 1208.90 rather than 1204.00. Additionally, if the seeds are prepared as birdseed mixtures, they may fall under 1202 or 2309 depending on the composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120400 (the code used for linseed), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120400 (the code used for linseed) 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 linseed.
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 linseed
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 linseed
What is the HS code for Linseed?
The HS code for Linseed is 120400 (Oil seeds; linseed, whether or not broken). The HS code for linseed (flaxseed), whether or not broken, is 1204.00.
How do I classify Linseed for customs?
Linseed is classified under HS code 120400 — Oil seeds; linseed, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ground flaxseed classified under 1204.00?
No, ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal is generally classified under HS code 1208.90, as heading 1204 is reserved for whole or broken seeds.
Which countries are the top exporters of linseed (HS 120400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120400 (the code used for linseed) 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 linseed (HS 120400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120400 (the code used for linseed) 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 Linseed the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120400 for Linseed 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 linseed in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120400 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for linseed depends on the product's details: 1204.00.10 (Linseed (flaxseed) for sowing), 1204.00.90 (Linseed (flaxseed), not for sowing).