HS Code for Low erucic rapeseed

Low erucic acid rapeseed is classified under HS code 1205.10. This classification is determined by the botanical nature of the seed and its specific chemical composition as defined in the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. According to the legal notes for Chapter 12, \"low erucic acid rape or colza seeds\" are defined as seeds yielding a fixed oil which has an erucic acid content of less than 2% by weight and yielding a solid component which contains less than 30 micromoles of glucosinolates per gram. This specific variety, often commercially referred to as Canola, is distinguished from high erucic acid varieties which are typically used for industrial lubricants rather than food-grade oil. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, as the terms of the heading and subheadings specifically provide for this distinction based on chemical thresholds. The seeds must be in their raw, whole, or broken state; if they have been processed into oil, they would move to Chapter 15, or if processed into oil-cake/meal, they would fall under Chapter 23.

Products Included

• Canola seeds (Brassica napus L. or Brassica rapa L.)
• Low erucic acid rape seeds for oil crushing
• Broken low erucic acid colza seeds
• Certified low erucic acid oilseeds

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1205.90, which is reserved for \"Other\" rape or colza seeds. This code is specifically for high erucic acid varieties (above 2%). Importers often confuse these if laboratory testing has not confirmed the erucic acid and glucosinolate levels. Additionally, sunflower seeds (1206.00) and mustard seeds (1207.50) are sometimes confused with rapeseed due to physical similarities in seed size and color, though they belong to entirely different botanical families and HS headings.

FAQ

What is the HS code for low erucic rapeseed?

The international HS code for low erucic acid rape or colza seeds is 1205.10.

How is 'low erucic' defined for customs purposes?

It is defined as having an erucic acid content of less than 2% by weight and a glucosinolate content of less than 30 micromoles per gram of the solid component.