HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 27.04 – Coke and semi-coke; of coal, lignite or peat, whether or not agglomerated; retort carbon
What HS 27.04 covers
Heading 2704 covers coke and semi-coke derived from coal, lignite, or peat, whether or not agglomerated, and also includes retort carbon. These products are residues obtained from the destructive distillation (carbonization) of their respective raw materials in the absence of air. Coke is a highly porous, high-carbon fuel and reducing agent, primarily known for its use in blast furnaces for iron and steel production due to its high calorific value and structural strength. Semi-coke is a similar product but produced at lower temperatures, retaining more volatile matter. Retort carbon, also known as gas carbon, is a dense form of carbon deposited on the walls of retorts or coke ovens. The scope explicitly covers coke from any of the three specified mineral fuels, distinguishing it from petroleum coke (2713). This classification is critical for trade compliance because coke's distinct properties and applications lead to different tariff rates, environmental regulations, and end-use controls compared to raw coal (2701), lignite (2702), or peat (2703). Historically, coke has been indispensable to the industrial revolution and modern metallurgy. Within Chapter 27, coke represents a key processed fuel, demonstrating the transformation of primary mineral fuels into higher-value, specialized energy and industrial feedstocks, signifying a step further in the refining process compared to the raw materials listed earlier in the chapter.
- Covers
- Metallurgical coke
- Foundry coke
- Blast furnace coke
- Gas coke
- Lignite coke
- Peat coke
- Semi-coke of coal
- Semi-coke of lignite
- Semi-coke of peat
- Retort carbon
- Coke breeze
- Coke nuts
- Coke fines
- Calcined coke (from coal/lignite/peat)
- Formed coke
- Briquetted coke
- Screened coke
- Crushed coke
- Petroleum coke (specifically derived from coal/lignite/peat, if applicable)
- Carbon residue from coal distillation
- High-carbon coke
- Low-sulfur coke
- Steam coal coke
- Hard coke
- Soft coke
- Examples
A major steel manufacturer in Japan regularly imports large quantities of high-grade metallurgical coke from Australia via bulk cargo vessels to fuel its blast furnaces, crucial for primary steel production. Concurrently, a German foundry specializing in automotive parts might source foundry coke from Poland by rail and truck for its casting operations, valuing its consistent quality and availability within Europe. Furthermore, an Indian chemical plant could import semi-coke of lignite from Indonesia for use as a reducing agent in specialized industrial processes, leveraging sea freight routes across the Indian Ocean.
Subheadings under 27.04 1
Codes often confused with 27.04
Common mistake. Misclassification under 2704 often occurs by confusing coke/semi-coke with its raw materials or other carbon products. A common error is classifying raw coal (2701), lignite (2702), or peat (2703) as coke; the defining characteristic of 2704 is the destructive distillation process. Another frequent mistake is classifying petroleum coke under 2704; petroleum coke, derived from crude oil, falls under 2713. While 'coke' is in the name, the origin is critical. Lastly, retort carbon can sometimes be confused with other forms of carbon, but 2704 specifically covers its form as a residue from the coking process, distinct from manufactured carbon articles (e.g., electrodes in 8545).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2704, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2704 in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% 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 Poland $1.7B 24% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $1.4B 20% of world exports
- 3 China $1.3B 19% of world exports
World total: $7.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $999M 14% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $748M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $605M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $7.4B 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 27.04
What is HS code 2704?
HS code 2704 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Coke and semi-coke; of coal, lignite or peat, whether or not agglomerated; retort carbon. Heading 2704 covers coke and semi-coke derived from coal, lignite, or peat, whether or not agglomerated, and also includes retort carbon. These products are residues obtained from the destructive distillation (carbonization) of their respective raw materials in the absence of air. Coke is a highly porous, high-carbon fuel and reducing agent, primarily known for its use in blast furnaces for iron and steel production due to its high calorific value and structural strength. Semi-coke is a similar product but produced at lower temperatures, retaining more volatile matter. Retort carbon, also known as gas carbon, is a dense form of carbon deposited on the walls of retorts or coke ovens. The scope explicitly covers coke from any of the three specified mineral fuels, distinguishing it from petroleum coke (2713). This classification is critical for trade compliance because coke's distinct properties and applications lead to different tariff rates, environmental regulations, and end-use controls compared to raw coal (2701), lignite (2702), or peat (2703). Historically, coke has been indispensable to the industrial revolution and modern metallurgy. Within Chapter 27, coke represents a key processed fuel, demonstrating the transformation of primary mineral fuels into higher-value, specialized energy and industrial feedstocks, signifying a step further in the refining process compared to the raw materials listed earlier in the chapter.
What products fall under HS code 2704?
Metallurgical coke, foundry coke, blast furnace coke, gas coke, lignite coke, peat coke, semi-coke of coal, semi-coke of lignite, semi-coke of peat, retort carbon, coke breeze, coke nuts, coke fines, calcined coke (from coal/lignite/peat), formed coke, briquetted coke, screened coke, crushed coke, petroleum coke (specifically derived from coal/lignite/peat, if applicable), carbon residue from coal distillation, high-carbon coke, low-sulfur coke, steam coal coke, hard coke, soft coke
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2704?
Misclassification under 2704 often occurs by confusing coke/semi-coke with its raw materials or other carbon products. A common error is classifying raw coal (2701), lignite (2702), or peat (2703) as coke; the defining characteristic of 2704 is the destructive distillation process. Another frequent mistake is classifying petroleum coke under 2704; petroleum coke, derived from crude oil, falls under 2713. While 'coke' is in the name, the origin is critical. Lastly, retort carbon can sometimes be confused with other forms of carbon, but 2704 specifically covers its form as a residue from the coking process, distinct from manufactured carbon articles (e.g., electrodes in 8545).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2704?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2704 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($1.7B, 24% of world exports), Indonesia ($1.4B) and China ($1.3B). World exports came to about $7.1B, 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 2704?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2704 in UN Comtrade data were India ($999M, 14% of world imports), Brazil ($748M) and Germany ($605M). World imports came to about $7.4B, 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 2704 structured?
HS code 2704 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.