HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 27.02 – Lignite; whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet
What HS 27.02 covers
Heading 2702 encompasses lignite, also known as brown coal, in all its forms, whether it has been agglomerated into briquettes or pellets, or remains in its natural, non-agglomerated state. A crucial exclusion from this heading is 'jet,' a hard, black, compact variety of lignite primarily used for ornamental purposes, which is typically classified elsewhere due to its specific use and properties. Lignite is a soft, brown, combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It is characterized by its relatively low carbon content and high moisture content compared to other types of coal, such as bituminous coal (2701). Its primary use globally is in electricity generation, particularly in countries with abundant lignite reserves, where it is burned in thermal power plants. It can also be used as a fuel for industrial processes or converted into synthetic gas or liquid fuels. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it distinguishes lignite from higher-grade coals (2701) and peat (2703), each bearing different tariff rates, import/export regulations, and environmental considerations. Historically, lignite has been a significant domestic energy source for many nations, reducing reliance on imported fuels. Within Chapter 27, which covers mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation, lignite represents a foundational raw material, positioned early in the chapter due to its relatively unprocessed nature compared to derived products like coke or tars.
- Covers
- Raw lignite
- Brown coal
- Lignite briquettes
- Lignite pellets
- Lignite fines
- Pulverized lignite
- Dried lignite
- Screened lignite
- Crushed lignite
- Lignite lumps
- Lignite dust
- Lignite for power generation
- Lignite for industrial boilers
- Lignite for gasification
- Lignite for liquefaction
- Lignite for domestic heating
- Agglomerated lignite
- Non-agglomerated lignite
- Low-grade coal
- Fuel lignite
- Unprocessed lignite
- Processed lignite briquettes
- Lignite for cement production
- Lignite for chemical feedstocks
- Examples
A power utility in Germany, a major lignite producer, might import additional supplies of non-agglomerated lignite from Poland via rail to supplement its domestic reserves for electricity generation, leveraging intra-EU trade agreements. Similarly, a Turkish industrial plant could import lignite briquettes from Russia through Black Sea shipping routes for use in its industrial furnaces, seeking cost-effective fuel sources. An energy company in the United States might export specialized dried and crushed lignite to Canada across the Great Lakes for a pilot project exploring advanced gasification technologies, highlighting cross-border energy research and development.
Subheadings under 27.02 2
Codes often confused with 27.02
Common mistake. Traders often confuse lignite (2702) with other solid mineral fuels. A common mistake is classifying lignite under 2701 (Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal), which covers higher-grade bituminous or anthracite coal. The key distinction lies in the geological rank, carbon content, and calorific value, with lignite being lower. Another error is classifying peat (2703) as lignite; peat is less carbonized and has a higher moisture content, representing an earlier stage of coal formation. Finally, lignite coke or semi-coke (2704) should not be classified here, as 2702 covers raw or simply agglomerated lignite, not the product of its destructive distillation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2702, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2702 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 94% of world imports. Türkiye reports $37.2B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $5.7B 85% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$448M 6.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $164M 2.4% of world exports
World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $9.4B 94% of world imports
- 2 Serbia $238M 2.4% of world imports
- 3 Poland $72M 0.7% of world imports
Türkiye reports $37.2B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $10.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Questions about HS 27.02
What is HS code 2702?
HS code 2702 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lignite; whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet. Heading 2702 encompasses lignite, also known as brown coal, in all its forms, whether it has been agglomerated into briquettes or pellets, or remains in its natural, non-agglomerated state. A crucial exclusion from this heading is 'jet,' a hard, black, compact variety of lignite primarily used for ornamental purposes, which is typically classified elsewhere due to its specific use and properties. Lignite is a soft, brown, combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It is characterized by its relatively low carbon content and high moisture content compared to other types of coal, such as bituminous coal (2701). Its primary use globally is in electricity generation, particularly in countries with abundant lignite reserves, where it is burned in thermal power plants. It can also be used as a fuel for industrial processes or converted into synthetic gas or liquid fuels. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it distinguishes lignite from higher-grade coals (2701) and peat (2703), each bearing different tariff rates, import/export regulations, and environmental considerations. Historically, lignite has been a significant domestic energy source for many nations, reducing reliance on imported fuels. Within Chapter 27, which covers mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation, lignite represents a foundational raw material, positioned early in the chapter due to its relatively unprocessed nature compared to derived products like coke or tars.
What products fall under HS code 2702?
Raw lignite, brown coal, lignite briquettes, lignite pellets, lignite fines, pulverized lignite, dried lignite, screened lignite, crushed lignite, lignite lumps, lignite dust, lignite for power generation, lignite for industrial boilers, lignite for gasification, lignite for liquefaction, lignite for domestic heating, agglomerated lignite, non-agglomerated lignite, low-grade coal, fuel lignite, unprocessed lignite, processed lignite briquettes, lignite for cement production, lignite for chemical feedstocks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2702?
Traders often confuse lignite (2702) with other solid mineral fuels. A common mistake is classifying lignite under 2701 (Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal), which covers higher-grade bituminous or anthracite coal. The key distinction lies in the geological rank, carbon content, and calorific value, with lignite being lower. Another error is classifying peat (2703) as lignite; peat is less carbonized and has a higher moisture content, representing an earlier stage of coal formation. Finally, lignite coke or semi-coke (2704) should not be classified here, as 2702 covers raw or simply agglomerated lignite, not the product of its destructive distillation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2702?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2702 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($5.7B, 85% of world exports), Russia (about $448M) and Germany ($164M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 2702?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2702 in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.4B, 94% of world imports), Serbia ($238M) and Poland ($72M). World imports came to about $10.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Türkiye reports $37.2B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 2702 structured?
HS code 2702 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.