Flaxseed (Linseed), Whether or Not Broken

The oil-stock designation applies when the flaxseed is imported specifically for crushing to produce linseed oil, and the importer must be able to document that intended end-use. In practice, this means the commercial invoice, purchase order, or end-use certificate should clearly state that the product is destined for oil extraction. If the product is intended for food use (e.g., whole or milled flaxseed for human consumption), it would fall under the NESOI or organic NESOI lines rather than the oil-stock lines.

Flaxseed imported for human food use is subject to FDA prior notice and food facility registration requirements. USDA APHIS phytosanitary requirements apply to seed imported for sowing (1204000010), which requires a phytosanitary certificate and may require an import permit. For food-grade flaxseed, importers should also be aware that some origins have had issues with low-level presence of unapproved genetically modified varieties, which can trigger FDA detention, making supplier GMO status documentation a prudent precaution.