HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2701.20 – Briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels; manufactured from coal
HS code 2701.20 is the 6-digit subheading for briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels, manufactured from coal. It is used for coal briquettes, ovoid coal, pillow-shaped coal fuel, hexagonal coal briquettes and industrial coal pellets.
What HS 2701.20 covers
This code encompasses processed solid fuels derived from coal, designed for efficient combustion. These products are crucial in industries requiring consistent heat, such as power generation, cement production, and metallurgy, as well as for domestic heating in many regions. Major importers often include countries with limited domestic coal resources but significant industrial demand, or those seeking cleaner burning alternatives to raw coal. Exporters are typically coal-rich nations with advanced processing capabilities. Key considerations for trade involve calorific value, ash content, moisture levels, and environmental regulations regarding emissions. The manufacturing process often involves crushing coal, mixing it with binders, and then compressing it into uniform shapes, which improves handling, reduces dust, and enhances burning efficiency compared to loose coal. The global trade in these fuels is influenced by energy policies, commodity prices, and the push for more sustainable energy sources, even within the fossil fuel sector.
- Covers
- Coal briquettes
- Ovoid coal
- Pillow-shaped coal fuel
- Hexagonal coal briquettes
- Industrial coal pellets
- Domestic heating briquettes
- Charcoal briquettes (if coal-based)
- Examples
- RUF briquettes (general term for shape)
- Pini-Kay briquettes (general term for shape)
- Weber briquettes (charcoal, if coal-based)
- Kingsford charcoal briquettes (if coal-based)
Codes often confused with 2701.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with raw coal (27011X) or coke (270400) due to their similar fuel applications. The distinction lies in the manufacturing process and agglomerated form, specifically from coal.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 270120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 270120 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $30M 30% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $27M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $99M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $13M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $12M 17% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $8.8M 12% of world imports
World total: $73M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2701.20
Brazil does not split HS 2701.20: its NCM code is 2701.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2701.20
What is HS code 270120?
HS code 270120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels; manufactured from coal. This code encompasses processed solid fuels derived from coal, designed for efficient combustion. These products are crucial in industries requiring consistent heat, such as power generation, cement production, and metallurgy, as well as for domestic heating in many regions. Major importers often include countries with limited domestic coal resources but significant industrial demand, or those seeking cleaner burning alternatives to raw coal. Exporters are typically coal-rich nations with advanced processing capabilities. Key considerations for trade involve calorific value, ash content, moisture levels, and environmental regulations regarding emissions. The manufacturing process often involves crushing coal, mixing it with binders, and then compressing it into uniform shapes, which improves handling, reduces dust, and enhances burning efficiency compared to loose coal. The global trade in these fuels is influenced by energy policies, commodity prices, and the push for more sustainable energy sources, even within the fossil fuel sector.
What products fall under HS code 270120?
Coal briquettes, ovoid coal, pillow-shaped coal fuel, hexagonal coal briquettes, industrial coal pellets, domestic heating briquettes, charcoal briquettes (if coal-based)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 270120?
This code can be confused with raw coal (27011X) or coke (270400) due to their similar fuel applications. The distinction lies in the manufacturing process and agglomerated form, specifically from coal.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 270120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 270120 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($30M, 30% of world exports), South Africa ($27M) and the United States ($13M). World exports came to about $99M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 270120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 270120 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($13M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($12M) and Czechia ($8.8M). World imports came to about $73M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 270120 structured?
HS code 270120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 270120?
In Brazil, HS code 270120 is NCM 2701.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.