HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 27.03 – Peat; (including peat litter), whether or not agglomerated
What HS 27.03 covers
Heading 2703 covers peat, including peat litter, whether or not it has been agglomerated into blocks, briquettes, or pellets. Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter, typically found in wetlands known as peatlands or bogs. It is the earliest stage in the formation of coal, characterized by high moisture content and a relatively low energy density compared to lignite or higher-grade coals. The scope of this heading is broad, encompassing peat in its raw, dried, milled, or compressed forms, as long as it retains its fundamental identity as peat. 'Peat litter' specifically refers to peat used as bedding for animals or as an absorbent material. This classification is crucial for distinguishing peat from other solid mineral fuels like lignite (2702) or coal (2701), as its applications, environmental impact, and associated trade regulations often differ significantly. Peat has historical significance as a traditional fuel source in many regions, but its modern uses predominantly lean towards horticulture (as a growing medium or soil conditioner) and as an absorbent. Within Chapter 27, peat is presented as a primary, unprocessed mineral fuel, similar to lignite, preceding more processed or refined energy products and highlighting the continuum of organic matter transformation into fossil fuels.
- Covers
- Raw peat
- Horticultural peat
- Peat moss
- Peat litter
- Fuel peat briquettes
- Dried peat
- Milled peat
- Block peat
- Peat pellets
- Peat for growing media
- Peat for soil conditioning
- Peat for mushroom cultivation
- Peat for animal bedding
- Peat for filtration
- Compressed peat
- Granulated peat
- Screened peat
- Peat fiber
- Peat substrate
- Peat for industrial combustion
- Garden peat
- Brown peat
- Black peat
- Examples
A large horticultural company in the Netherlands might import significant volumes of milled peat from Ireland via container ships for use in producing potting mixes and growing substrates for commercial nurseries across Europe. Simultaneously, a power utility in Finland, a country with extensive peat resources, could import fuel peat briquettes from neighboring Estonia via Baltic Sea routes to be co-fired with biomass in its district heating plants. In North America, a Canadian agricultural supplier regularly exports bales of compressed peat moss to the United States for landscaping, soil amendment, and professional horticulture, utilizing efficient truck freight across the border.
Subheadings under 27.03 1
Codes often confused with 27.03
Common mistake. Misclassification of peat (2703) is common. One frequent error is confusing it with lignite (2702). While both are low-grade fossil fuels, peat is less carbonized, has a higher moisture content, and represents an earlier geological stage than lignite. Another mistake is classifying processed peat products as 'coke of peat' under 2704, when they are simply agglomerated or dried peat, not products of destructive distillation. Furthermore, peat-based growing media mixed with other substances (e.g., fertilizers, perlite) might be incorrectly placed here; if the added components significantly alter its character, it might fall under Chapter 31 (Fertilizers) or other headings, rather than pure peat.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2703, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2703 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $405M 21% of world exports
- 2 Latvia $382M 20% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $230M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $411M 19% of world imports
- 2 China $178M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $176M 8.3% of world imports
The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $2.1B 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.
Questions about HS 27.03
What is HS code 2703?
HS code 2703 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Peat; (including peat litter), whether or not agglomerated. Heading 2703 covers peat, including peat litter, whether or not it has been agglomerated into blocks, briquettes, or pellets. Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter, typically found in wetlands known as peatlands or bogs. It is the earliest stage in the formation of coal, characterized by high moisture content and a relatively low energy density compared to lignite or higher-grade coals. The scope of this heading is broad, encompassing peat in its raw, dried, milled, or compressed forms, as long as it retains its fundamental identity as peat. 'Peat litter' specifically refers to peat used as bedding for animals or as an absorbent material. This classification is crucial for distinguishing peat from other solid mineral fuels like lignite (2702) or coal (2701), as its applications, environmental impact, and associated trade regulations often differ significantly. Peat has historical significance as a traditional fuel source in many regions, but its modern uses predominantly lean towards horticulture (as a growing medium or soil conditioner) and as an absorbent. Within Chapter 27, peat is presented as a primary, unprocessed mineral fuel, similar to lignite, preceding more processed or refined energy products and highlighting the continuum of organic matter transformation into fossil fuels.
What products fall under HS code 2703?
Raw peat, horticultural peat, peat moss, peat litter, fuel peat briquettes, dried peat, milled peat, block peat, peat pellets, peat for growing media, peat for soil conditioning, peat for mushroom cultivation, peat for animal bedding, peat for filtration, compressed peat, granulated peat, screened peat, peat fiber, peat substrate, peat for industrial combustion, garden peat, brown peat, black peat
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2703?
Misclassification of peat (2703) is common. One frequent error is confusing it with lignite (2702). While both are low-grade fossil fuels, peat is less carbonized, has a higher moisture content, and represents an earlier geological stage than lignite. Another mistake is classifying processed peat products as 'coke of peat' under 2704, when they are simply agglomerated or dried peat, not products of destructive distillation. Furthermore, peat-based growing media mixed with other substances (e.g., fertilizers, perlite) might be incorrectly placed here; if the added components significantly alter its character, it might fall under Chapter 31 (Fertilizers) or other headings, rather than pure peat.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2703?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2703 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($405M, 21% of world exports), Latvia ($382M) and the Netherlands ($230M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 2703?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2703 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($411M, 19% of world imports), China ($178M) and the Netherlands ($176M). World imports came to about $2.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
How is HS code 2703 structured?
HS code 2703 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.