Oats
Oats are cereal grains of Avena sativa and Avena byzantina, traded as a dried grain commodity used for human food and animal feed.
Prices, specifications and international trade for oats under HS 100490.
Oats Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Oats is quoted in USD/t at CAN. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore oats pricesOats Exports and Imports
Canada led reported oats exports in 2025, at $440M.
Compare oats exporting countriesOats Specifications and Quality
Oats grading factors include Test weight, Hull‑less and broken kernels, and Damaged kernels.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for oats considers Test weight, Hull‑less and broken kernels, and Damaged kernels.
- Test weight
Measures kilogram per hectolitre; higher weight indicates denser, higher‑quality grain.
- Hull‑less and broken kernels
Percentage of kernels without hulls or broken; lower values are preferred for milling and feed.
- Damaged kernels
Kernels showing moisture‑related or insect damage; buyers limit this to preserve quality.
- Wild oats
Presence of Avena fatua or Avena sterilis; limited to avoid contamination of the lot.
- Insect‑bored kernels
Kernels tunneled by insects; low levels are required for food safety.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for oats include Damaged kernels, Insect‑bored kernels, and Wild oats contamination.
- Damaged kernels
Kernels deteriorated by moisture, weather, disease, insects, mould, heating or sprouting.
- Insect‑bored kernels
Kernels visibly bored or tunneled by insects during storage or field exposure.
- Wild oats contamination
Inclusion of Avena fatua or Avena sterilis seeds beyond the allowed limit.
Oats Facts and HS Code
Oats belongs to other cereals within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 100490.
Oats HS Code
| Also known as | common oats |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Avena sativa |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Other cereals — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 100490 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | CAN |
Production & Handling
Processing steps for oats include Harvest, Drying, Cleaning.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
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Packaging
Typical oats packaging includes Sacks.
- Sacks
Clean, sturdy, strongly sewn or sealed sacks that protect hygiene and prevent contamination.
Uses & Risks
Oats is used in Livestock feed, Human food, and Cosmetics.
End Uses
- Livestock feed
Used as a major feed grain for cattle, horses, sheep and poultry.
- Human food
Processed into breakfast cereals, porridge, hard cakes and used as a thickening agent.
- Cosmetics
Emollient properties are exploited in skin‑care products.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food processing, Animal feed manufacturers, Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| Standards |
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Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Mycotoxin contamination Food safetyHigh Fusarium species can produce deoxynivalenol and other toxins in oat kernels, posing health risks to humans and animals. | Implement rigorous sampling, testing for mycotoxins, and apply good storage practices to limit fungal growth. |
Weather‑related moisture variation ClimateMedium Rain or high humidity at harvest can raise grain moisture above safe levels, requiring drying to avoid spoilage. | Harvest when moisture is below 12 % and use aeration or grain dryers promptly to achieve target moisture. |
Oats Questions
- What is the maximum moisture content allowed for oats?
- The Codex standard limits moisture to 14 % m/m, while some regional specifications set a maximum of 12.5 %.
- What test weight is required for oat shipments?
- Minimum test weight is 46 kg/hl according to the Codex standard, with some markets requiring at least 52.5 kg/hl.
- How are oats packaged for export?
- Oats are packed in clean, sturdy sacks that are strongly sewn or sealed to preserve hygiene and prevent contamination.
- What food‑safety risks should I watch for with oats?
- Oats can be contaminated by Fusarium mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol; testing and proper storage are essential to manage this risk.