HS Code: 151511
Virgin flaxseed oil
Languages: 中文 English Español 日本語 한국어 Tiếng Việt ไทย Русский

📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 15 covers animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, animal and vegetable waxes. It includes crude oils extracted from animal and vegetable raw materials, refined oils, stearin, glycerol, etc., but excludes dairy fats (Chapter 04), cocoa butter (Chapter 18), and separately named chemically pure fats and oils. The fats and oils of this chapter are classified in layers according to source and degree of processing, and it is an important classification chapter for commodities such as food, chemicals, and biofuels.
Heading
Heading 1515 covers other fixed vegetable fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It specifically includes linseed oil, corn oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, safflower oil, tung oil, etc. Under this heading, it is subdivided by oil type and processing method (crude/refined). Crude linseed oil is classified under 1515.11, and refined linseed oil is classified under 1515.19.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 15: indicates Chapter 15, animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal and vegetable waxes. Digits 3-4 15: indicates heading 1515, other fixed vegetable fats and oils and their fractions. Digits 5-6 11: indicates subheading 1515.11, crude linseed oil. The 5th digit 1 represents crude, and the 6th digit 1 represents linseed oil. The complete code 151511 is crude linseed oil, referring to unrefined linseed crude oil obtained only by pressing or solvent extraction.
Classification Basis
Crude linseed oil complies with the description of 1515.11 because it has not undergone refining, bleaching, deodorizing, or other chemical or physical refining processes and is not chemically modified. It is not classified under 1515.19 (refined linseed oil) because the degree of processing is different; not under 1514 (rapeseed oil) because the raw material is different; and not under 1516 (hydrogenated oils) because it is not chemically modified.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should state 'crude linseed oil' or 'linseed crude oil', and avoid using colloquial names such as 'flax oil'.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'linseed oil' or 'flax oil', failing to reflect the crude pressing process.
Processing method
Explain the extraction process, such as cold pressing, hot pressing, solvent extraction, etc., emphasizing whether it has been refined.
⚠️ Misreporting cold-pressed crude oil as refined oil, or failing to indicate crude.
Composition content
Indicate the main fatty acid composition and content, such as percentages of linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, etc.
⚠️ Only writing '100% linseed oil' without providing detailed fatty acid data.
Packaging specifications
Indicate the packaging type and net weight, such as iron drum, IBC tote, retail bottle, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring packaging specifications, causing customs to be unable to determine whether it is retail packaging.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer's or trader's brand; if there is no brand, state 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting it.
Origin
Indicate the cultivation place of the flaxseed or the country of crude oil production, which affects tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ Only writing the processing country without indicating the origin of the raw material.
Use
Explain direct consumption, industrial use (such as coatings, inks), or further processing.
⚠️ Generally writing 'edible' without distinguishing food grade from industrial grade.
Example:
Product name: Crude linseed oil (cold-pressed); Processing method: cold-pressed crude, unrefined; Composition content: linolenic acid 55%, linoleic acid 15%, oleic acid 20%, saturated fatty acids 10%; Packaging specifications: 190kg iron drum; Brand: XX brand; Origin: Canada; Use: food grade, used as raw material for health products.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is a fixed vegetable fat or oil; 2) the raw material is flaxseed; 3) the processing method is crude, that is, only pressing, centrifugation, or solvent extraction, without refining steps such as degumming, deacidification, bleaching, or deodorization; 4) it has not undergone chemical modification (such as hydrogenation or interesterification). If the above conditions are met, it is classified under 1515.11. If refined, it is classified under 1515.19; if hydrogenated, under 1516; if it is a mixture of edible fats and oils, under 1517.
Confused Codes:
151519 - Refined linseed oil
Different processing method: 151519 has undergone refining (bleaching, deodorization, etc.), while 151511 is only crude and unrefined.
151411 - Crude rapeseed oil
Different raw material: 151411 is rapeseed, 151511 is flaxseed, and the fatty acid composition and uses differ significantly.
151610 - Hydrogenated animal and vegetable fats and oils
Chemical modification: 151610 has undergone chemical modification such as hydrogenation, while 151511 has not been modified.
151790 - Edible fat and oil mixtures
Composition: 151790 is a mixture of multiple oils and fats, while 151511 is pure linseed oil.
120400 - Flaxseed
State: 120400 is seeds, while 151511 is oil extracted from seeds.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How can I inquire about the HS code for crude linseed oil?
A: You can check the customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keywords 'linseed oil' or 'crude', and the system will show 151511. Be sure to confirm that the processing method is crude, otherwise it may be classified under 151519.
Q: What is the difference between crude linseed oil and refined linseed oil when declaring at customs?
A: The main differences are in the processing method and declaration elements. Crude oil must indicate 'cold-pressed' or 'crude', and refined oil must indicate 'refined'. Customs may require proof of processing method, such as a production process description.
Q: What regulatory documents are required to import crude linseed oil?
A: Usually a certificate of origin, health certificate, composition test report, Chinese label, etc. are required. The specifics depend on the use (food/industrial) and the trading country. It is recommended to consult customs in advance.
Q: How is the tariff rate for crude linseed oil determined?
A: The tax rate depends on the country of origin, trade agreements (such as RCEP, China-Australia FTA), and whether the MFN rate applies. You can check the customs tariff or use the customs advance classification service.
Q: If linseed oil has been degummed, is it still considered crude?
A: Degumming is one of the refining steps. If it has been degummed, it is no longer considered crude and should be classified under 151519. Crude oil only allows mechanical pressing, centrifugation, or solvent extraction, and must not undergo chemical or physical refining.
Q: How is small-packaged crude linseed oil sold through cross-border e-commerce classified?
A: The classification is still 151511, but note that retail packaging may affect the tax rate and regulatory conditions. When declaring, the packaging specifications must be indicated, such as '250ml/bottle'.
Q: Can crude linseed oil be used for industrial purposes?
A: Yes, such as in coatings and inks. However, if it is industrial grade, different regulatory conditions may apply. When declaring, the use must be clearly stated to avoid being mistaken for food grade.
Q: What are the key points of customs review for the classification of crude linseed oil?
A: The focus is on reviewing the processing method (whether crude), composition (whether pure linseed oil), use (food/industrial), and origin. Enterprises should retain production records, test reports, and other supporting documents.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.