Rapeseed
Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an oilseed crop harvested as dried seed and traded globally as a bulk commodity. It provides edible oil, protein meal, and feedstock for biodiesel production.
Prices, specifications and international trade for rapeseed under HS 120510.
Rapeseed Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Rapeseed is quoted in USD/t at CAN. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore rapeseed pricesRapeseed Exports and Imports
Canada led reported rapeseed exports in 2025, at $3.8B.
Compare rapeseed exporting countriesRapeseed Specifications and Quality
Rapeseed grading factors include Oil content, Erucic acid, and Glucosinolates.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for rapeseed considers Oil content, Erucic acid, and Glucosinolates.
- Oil content
Measures percentage of oil in seed; higher oil content increases value for oil extraction.
- Erucic acid
Measures erucic acid level; low erucic acid defines double‑low rapeseed.
- Glucosinolates
Measures glucosinolate level; low levels required for double‑low classification.
- Oleic acid
Measures oleic acid proportion; high oleic defines high‑oleic rapeseed.
- Moisture
Moisture content affects storage stability; must stay below specified limits.
- Damaged kernels
Percentage of kernels damaged by heat or physical injury; impacts grade.
- Green kernels
Percentage of distinctly green kernels; indicates immature or sprouted seed.
- Total damage
Combined percentage of all defect types; overall quality indicator.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for rapeseed include Broken or split, Heat damaged, and Mouldy.
- Broken or split
Physical breakage of kernels, often from handling.
- Heat damaged
Kernels damaged by excessive heat during drying or processing.
- Mouldy
Kernels with fungal growth, arising from high moisture storage.
- Sprouted
Kernels that have begun germination, indicating prolonged storage moisture.
- Garlicky
Presence of garlic bulblets in seed, a special grade condition.
- Infested
Live insect infestation within the seed batch.
Rapeseed Facts and HS Code
Rapeseed belongs to oilseeds within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 120510.
Rapeseed HS Code
| Also known as | Canola |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Brassica napus |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Oilseeds — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 120510 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | CAN |
Production & Handling
Processing steps for rapeseed include Sowing, Germination, Growth.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
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Packaging
Typical rapeseed packaging includes Bulk bag.
- Bulk bag
Standard 1‑tonne polypropylene bag, labeled with product name, grade, origin and harvest year.
Uses & Risks
Rapeseed is used in Edible oil, Protein meal, and Biodiesel.
End Uses
- Edible oil
Pressed and refined for culinary use.
- Protein meal
Meal after oil extraction used as animal feed.
- Biodiesel
Transesterified rapeseed oil used as renewable diesel fuel.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food processing, Edible oil manufacturers, Biodiesel producers, Animal feed manufacturers, Industrial oil sector |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Fungal diseases DiseaseHigh Leaf spot, stem canker, sclerotinia and other fungal pathogens can cause significant yield loss. | Use of fungicide sprays and resistant varieties reduces disease impact. |
Frost and temperature extremes ClimateMedium Severe frosts can kill seedlings, especially for late‑emerging crops. | Adjust sowing dates and select frost‑tolerant varieties to avoid damage. |
Pesticide residues Food safetyMedium Residues of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or rodenticides above EU maximum residue limits may be present in rapeseed. | Testing against MRLs and compliance monitoring are applied before export. |
Insect pests PestMedium Slugs, cabbage stem flea beetles, pollen beetles and other insects can damage seedlings and mature plants. | Cultural controls combined with appropriate insecticides are employed. |
Rapeseed Questions
- What quality grades are used for rapeseed?
- Rapeseed is classified as common, double‑low, or high‑oleic based on erucic acid, glucosinolate and oleic acid contents, and further graded by oil content according to national standards.
- What is the maximum allowable moisture content for rapeseed?
- The standard maximum moisture content is 8 % by weight; exceeding this limit can lead to storage losses and may cause the cargo to be rejected.
- How is rapeseed oil extracted?
- The most common method uses hexane solvent after seed heating, flaking and pressing; the residual oil is extracted from the protein cake, followed by solvent removal, refining and processing.
- What risks are associated with pesticide residues in rapeseed?
- Residues above EU maximum residue limits can cause cargo rejection; exporters monitor residues and ensure compliance with the relevant MRLs before shipment.