Product classification
HS code for Linseed meal: 2306.20
Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of linseed oils.
Classification of linseed meal under HS 2306.20
Linseed meal is classified under HS code 2306.20 because it represents the solid residue remaining after the extraction of oil from flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum). According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 23, this heading covers oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils. The classification is determined by the fact that the product is a byproduct of the oil extraction process rather than the whole seed itself. If the seeds were merely crushed without oil extraction, they would remain in Chapter 12. The residue in 2306.20 is primarily used in animal feed due to its high protein and fiber content. It is essential to distinguish between the mechanical expeller process and solvent extraction, although both resulting residues fall under this code. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the meal is further processed into pellets for easier transport and handling. The technical definition requires that the oil content has been significantly reduced through industrial processing, leaving a nutrient-dense cake that is subsequently ground into meal.
- Covers
- Linseed oil-cake
- Ground linseed meal
- Linseed pellets for animal feed
- Solvent-extracted linseed residues
- Expeller-pressed linseed cake
- Also under 2306.20
- Cargill Linseed Meal
- ADM Flax Meal
- Bunge Linseed Cake
- Louis Dreyfus Linseed Pellets
- Glencore Linseed Meal
Codes often confused with 2306.20
Common mistake. Linseed meal is frequently confused with whole or crushed flaxseeds under HS code 1204.00. The distinction lies in whether the oil has been extracted; 1204.00 is for the oilseeds themselves, while 2306.20 is for the residue after extraction. Another common error is using HS code 2309.90, which covers prepared animal fodder. While linseed meal is an ingredient in animal feed, it belongs in 2306.20 if it is a pure residue without added substances.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230620 (the code used for linseed meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230620 (the code used for linseed meal) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 41% 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 230620, not only linseed meal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $56M 66% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$4.4M 5.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $3.8M 4.5% of world exports
World total: $86M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $34M 41% of world imports
- 2 Italy $10M 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $6.4M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $82M 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 linseed meal
Brazil classifies linseed meal under NCM 2306.20.00: HS 2306.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about linseed meal
What is the HS code for Linseed meal?
The HS code for Linseed meal is 230620 (Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of linseed oils). The specific HS code for linseed meal is 2306.20, which covers oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of linseed oils.
How do I classify Linseed meal for customs?
Linseed meal is classified under HS code 230620 — Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of linseed oils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the extraction method change the HS code?
No, whether the oil is removed via solvent extraction or mechanical pressure (expeller), the resulting solid residue remains classified under 2306.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of linseed meal (HS 230620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230620 (the code used for linseed meal) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($56M, 66% of world exports), Russia (about $4.4M) and Canada ($3.8M). World exports came to about $86M, 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 meal (HS 230620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230620 (the code used for linseed meal) in UN Comtrade data were France ($34M, 41% of world imports), Italy ($10M) and the Netherlands ($6.4M). World imports came to about $82M, 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 meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230620 for Linseed meal 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 meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, linseed meal (HS 230620) is classified under NCM 2306.20.00.