Rapeseed Oil: Product and Market
Ukraine is one of the world's leading producers of rapeseed and rapeseed oil. Crude rapeseed oil is classified under HS code 1514.11, refined under 1514.19. Production is concentrated mainly in Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk and Vinnytsia regions.
Key markets: EU (food industry and biodiesel), China, India and Middle Eastern countries (cooking oil). Demand for rapeseed oil in the EU is growing due to "green" energy programmes and the shift away from palm oil.
Quality Standards and Analysis
Key quality parameters for buyers: free fatty acids (FFA, ≤2% for edible oil), moisture (<0.2%), insoluble impurities (<0.1%), colour (Lovibond), peroxide value. For the EU biodiesel market, compliance with EN 14214 is required.
Before shipment, an analysis is conducted by an independent inspection company (SGS, Bureau Veritas). Results are issued as a Certificate of Quality (COQ) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
Bulk Liquid Logistics
Wholesale volumes (from 500 t) are transported in tanker vessels or road tankers (food-grade stainless steel tanks, pre-certified for food oils). For smaller volumes, 1,000-litre IBCs or 200-litre steel drums are used.
Routes: sea — via Odesa and Chornomorsk ports (FCL flexitanks or bulk tanker); rail — CIM/SMGS tank wagons to Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic; road — 20–25 t tankers to neighbouring markets.
Documentation and Customs Requirements
Basic document set: commercial invoice, bill of lading or CMR, SGS/BV quality certificate, EUR.1 certificate of origin (zero import duty to EU), phytosanitary certificate (if required by destination country), loading survey report.
For EU deliveries, check the current status of rapeseed oil import permits (tariff quotas / Anti-Dumping measures). For sale as biodiesel feedstock, a sustainability certificate (ISCC, REDcert) may be required.
How UKRexport Can Help
List your rapeseed oil offer on the UKRexport marketplace and receive direct enquiries from EU traders and processors. Contact our consultants for assistance with ISCC certification and finding pre-shipment financing.