HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2702.10 – Lignite; whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated, excluding jet

HS code 2702.10 is the 6-digit subheading for lignite, whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated, excluding jet. It is used for raw lignite, brown coal lumps, pulverized lignite, lignite fines and lignite dust.

What HS 2702.10 covers

This category covers lignite, also known as brown coal, in its raw or pulverized form, prior to any agglomeration processes. Lignite is a low-rank coal with lower carbon content and higher moisture than bituminous coal, making it less energy-dense but often more abundant and cheaper to extract. It is primarily used for electricity generation in thermal power plants, especially in countries with large domestic reserves, as well as for industrial heating. International trade in raw lignite is less extensive than higher-grade coals due to its high moisture content, which increases transport costs and reduces calorific value per unit weight. However, countries with significant lignite resources often rely heavily on it for their energy security. Key factors in trade and usage include its relatively low cost, ease of mining (often open-pit), and the environmental impact of its combustion, which typically produces more CO2 per unit of energy than higher-grade coals.

Covers
  • Raw lignite
  • Brown coal lumps
  • Pulverized lignite
  • Lignite fines
  • Lignite dust
  • Unprocessed lignite
Examples
  • German lignite (e.g., from RWE mines)
  • Polish lignite
  • Australian lignite
  • Greek lignite

Codes often confused with 2702.10

Common mistake. This code is distinct from agglomerated lignite (270220) and higher-grade coals like bituminous coal (27011X). The "not agglomerated" aspect is key.

2702.20Lignite; agglomerated, excluding jet

Top exporters and importers of HS code 270210, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 270210 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. 1 Indonesia $5.7B
  2. 2 Russia* ~$448M
  3. 3 Mongolia* ~$135M

World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $9.4B
  2. 2 Serbia $237M
  3. 3 Poland $72M

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.

Brazil NCM code for 2702.10

Brazil does not split HS 2702.10: its NCM code is 2702.10.00.

  1. 2702.10.00 Lignite, not agglomeratedLinhitas, mesmo em pó, mas não aglomeradas

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.02 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 2702.10

What is HS code 270210?

HS code 270210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lignite; whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated, excluding jet. This category covers lignite, also known as brown coal, in its raw or pulverized form, prior to any agglomeration processes. Lignite is a low-rank coal with lower carbon content and higher moisture than bituminous coal, making it less energy-dense but often more abundant and cheaper to extract. It is primarily used for electricity generation in thermal power plants, especially in countries with large domestic reserves, as well as for industrial heating. International trade in raw lignite is less extensive than higher-grade coals due to its high moisture content, which increases transport costs and reduces calorific value per unit weight. However, countries with significant lignite resources often rely heavily on it for their energy security. Key factors in trade and usage include its relatively low cost, ease of mining (often open-pit), and the environmental impact of its combustion, which typically produces more CO2 per unit of energy than higher-grade coals.

What products fall under HS code 270210?

Raw lignite, brown coal lumps, pulverized lignite, lignite fines, lignite dust, unprocessed lignite

What are common misclassifications for HS code 270210?

This code is distinct from agglomerated lignite (270220) and higher-grade coals like bituminous coal (27011X). The "not agglomerated" aspect is key.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 270210?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 270210 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($5.7B, 85% of world exports), Russia (about $448M) and Mongolia (about $135M). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 270210?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 270210 in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.4B, 94% of world imports), Serbia ($237M) 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 270210 structured?

HS code 270210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 270210?

In Brazil, HS code 270210 is NCM 2702.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.