HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2702.20 – Lignite; agglomerated, excluding jet
HS code 2702.20 is the 6-digit subheading for lignite, agglomerated, excluding jet. It is used for lignite briquettes, brown coal pellets, lignite ovoids, processed lignite fuel and compressed lignite blocks.
What HS 2702.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers lignite that has undergone an agglomeration process, meaning it has been pressed or bound into solid shapes, but excludes the gemstone "jet." Agglomeration improves lignite's handling characteristics, reduces dust, and can increase its energy density by reducing moisture content. This processed form is often used in industrial applications, domestic heating, and sometimes as a more efficient fuel for power generation compared to raw lignite. Countries with significant lignite reserves and processing capabilities are typically the main producers and exporters. Importers might be those seeking a more manageable and cleaner-burning lignite product for specific industrial or residential uses. The trade in agglomerated lignite is influenced by energy policies, the availability of alternative fuels, and environmental regulations, as processing can make lignite a more viable option for certain markets by improving its combustion properties and reducing transport costs per unit of energy.
- Covers
- Lignite briquettes
- Brown coal pellets
- Lignite ovoids
- Processed lignite fuel
- Compressed lignite blocks
- Lignite coalettes
- Examples
- Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG) lignite briquettes
- RWE Power AG lignite briquettes
- various European domestic lignite fuels
Codes often confused with 2702.20
Common mistake. This code is differentiated from non-agglomerated lignite (270210) by the agglomeration process and from coal briquettes (270120) by the source material being lignite, not higher-grade coal.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 270220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 270220 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 86% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 34% 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 Germany $35M 86% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $1.7M 4.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.2M 3.0% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $9.2M 34% of world imports
- 2 Slovakia $5.2M 19% of world imports
- 3 Austria $2.5M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $27M 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 2702.20
Brazil does not split HS 2702.20: its NCM code is 2702.20.00.
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 2702.20
What is HS code 270220?
HS code 270220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lignite; agglomerated, excluding jet. This HS code specifically covers lignite that has undergone an agglomeration process, meaning it has been pressed or bound into solid shapes, but excludes the gemstone "jet." Agglomeration improves lignite's handling characteristics, reduces dust, and can increase its energy density by reducing moisture content. This processed form is often used in industrial applications, domestic heating, and sometimes as a more efficient fuel for power generation compared to raw lignite. Countries with significant lignite reserves and processing capabilities are typically the main producers and exporters. Importers might be those seeking a more manageable and cleaner-burning lignite product for specific industrial or residential uses. The trade in agglomerated lignite is influenced by energy policies, the availability of alternative fuels, and environmental regulations, as processing can make lignite a more viable option for certain markets by improving its combustion properties and reducing transport costs per unit of energy.
What products fall under HS code 270220?
Lignite briquettes, brown coal pellets, lignite ovoids, processed lignite fuel, compressed lignite blocks, lignite coalettes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 270220?
This code is differentiated from non-agglomerated lignite (270210) by the agglomeration process and from coal briquettes (270120) by the source material being lignite, not higher-grade coal.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 270220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 270220 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($35M, 86% of world exports), Türkiye ($1.7M) and the United States ($1.2M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 270220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 270220 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($9.2M, 34% of world imports), Slovakia ($5.2M) and Austria ($2.5M). World imports came to about $27M, 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 270220 structured?
HS code 270220 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 270220?
In Brazil, HS code 270220 is NCM 2702.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.