Product classification
HS code for Refined flaxseed oil: 1515.19
Vegetable oils, linseed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of refined flaxseed oil under HS 1515.19
Refined flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is classified under HS code 1515.19. Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Heading 15.15 is a residual heading for other fixed vegetable fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Within this heading, 1515.11 is reserved for crude linseed oil, while 1515.19 covers 'other' linseed oil, which includes the refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) versions. The classification is driven by the botanical origin (Linum usitatissimum) and the degree of processing. It is essential that the oil has not been chemically modified, such as through hydrogenation or epoxidation, as such processes would shift the classification to heading 15.16 or 15.18. Refined flaxseed oil is used in both culinary applications for its high omega-3 content and in industrial applications like paint and varnish manufacturing. The 'other than crude' designation in 1515.19 ensures that any oil that has undergone purification steps beyond simple extraction is correctly categorized.
- Covers
- Refined linseed oil (flaxseed oil)
- Bleached and deodorized flaxseed oil
- Edible refined flaxseed oil
- Industrial grade refined linseed oil
- Also under 1515.19
- Rust-Oleum (wood finishes)
- Farrow & Ball (paints)
- Winsor & Newton (artist's oils)
- Old Masters (wood finishes)
- Flaxseed oil supplements (e.g., Barlean's, Spectrum)
Codes often confused with 1515.19
Common mistake. Refined flaxseed oil (1515.19) is frequently confused with crude flaxseed oil (1515.11). Crude oil is the direct result of pressing or solvent extraction and contains impurities that are removed during the refining process. Another major area of misclassification involves heading 15.18. If the flaxseed oil has been 'boiled' or otherwise chemically modified (e.g., polymerized or oxidized) to act as a drying oil in paints, it must be classified under 1518.00. Furthermore, if the flaxseed oil has been hydrogenated to change its melting point, it falls under heading 15.16. Importers must also ensure the oil is not a blend; mixtures of flaxseed oil with other vegetable oils are generally classified under heading 15.17 as edible mixtures or preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151519 (the code used for refined flaxseed oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151519 (the code used for refined flaxseed oil) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% 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 151519, not only refined flaxseed oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $42M 36% of world exports
- 2 Belarus* ~$18M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $7.1M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $117M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $20M 16% of world imports
- 2 Norway $19M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $8.3M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $130M 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 refined flaxseed oil
Brazil classifies refined flaxseed oil under NCM 1515.19.00: HS 1515.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refined flaxseed oil
What is the HS code for Refined flaxseed oil?
The HS code for Refined flaxseed oil is 151519 (Vegetable oils; linseed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). Refined flaxseed oil (linseed oil) that has not been chemically modified is classified under HS code 1515.19.
How do I classify Refined flaxseed oil for customs?
Refined flaxseed oil is classified under HS code 151519 — Vegetable oils; linseed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is boiled linseed oil classified under 1515.19?
No, boiled or chemically modified linseed oil is classified under HS code 1518.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of refined flaxseed oil (HS 151519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151519 (the code used for refined flaxseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($42M, 36% of world exports), Belarus (about $18M) and the United States ($7.1M). World exports came to about $117M, 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 refined flaxseed oil (HS 151519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151519 (the code used for refined flaxseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($20M, 16% of world imports), Norway ($19M) and Germany ($8.3M). World imports came to about $130M, 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 Refined flaxseed oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151519 for Refined flaxseed 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 refined flaxseed oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, refined flaxseed oil (HS 151519) is classified under NCM 1515.19.00.