In the world of vegetable oils, terminology can get confusing — especially when products are traded across borders and industries. A common question we hear from international buyers and sellers is:
“Is colza oil the same as rapeseed oil or canola oil?”
The short answer: yes — but context matters. In this article, we break down the differences and explain what buyers, brokers and suppliers need to know.
Same Plant, Different Terms
All three oils — colza, rapeseed, and canola — are extracted from the Brassica napus plant, also known as oilseed rape. However, the terminology varies depending on region, specification, and usage:
- Colza oil is the traditional European term, particularly in French-speaking countries like France and Belgium. It’s widely used in both the food industry and biofuel sector.
- Rapeseed oil is the standard term in international trade, especially in the UK, EU, and Asia. It includes both food-grade and technical-grade variants.
- Canola oil refers to a specific low-erucic acid variety of rapeseed, developed in Canada in the 1970s. It is primarily used in North America and often linked to GMO production.
Why the Terminology Matters for Buyers and Sellers
If you’re a colza oil buyer in Europe or a rapeseed oil supplier exporting globally, understanding these terms is critical for accurate specifications, labelling, and documentation.
At Agrioil, we act as an intermediary between rapeseed oil buyers and sellers worldwide. Whether you’re sourcing crude or refined oil, for food, feed, or energy, we ensure that both parties are aligned on:
- Terminology (colza/rapeseed/canola)
- Origin (EU, Canada, Ukraine, etc.)
- Certifications (such as ISCC)
- Quality specifications
- Logistics & documentation
We know from experience: miscommunication over something as simple as a product name can cause costly delays.
ISCC Certified Rapeseed Oil Available
As sustainability continues to gain importance in the agri-trade sector, many of our clients are requesting ISCC certified rapeseed oil for use in biodiesel and renewable fuel (HVO) production.
Through our network, we can broker certified volumes — both bulk and container — to meet regulatory and traceability requirements across the EU and beyond.
Let’s Talk Supply & Demand
Are you looking for a colza oil supplier or considering selling rapeseed oil on the European market?
With years of trading experience, Agrioil helps buyers and sellers connect efficiently and transparently. We work with processors, refiners, biodiesel producers and commodity traders to match supply and demand — across origins, specs, and certifications.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a quote.
Vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy