HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 27.07 – Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; similar products in which the weight of the aromatic constituents exceeds that of the non-aromatic constituents
What HS 27.07 covers
HS Code 2707 encompasses a diverse range of oils and other products derived from the high-temperature distillation of coal tar, alongside similar products where the weight of aromatic constituents predominates over non-aromatic ones. This crucial classification within Section V (Mineral Products) and Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes) serves as a vital gateway for numerous industrial chemicals and raw materials. It primarily covers the liquid fractions obtained when coal tar, a byproduct of coke and gas production, undergoes fractional distillation at high temperatures. These products are rich in aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, and various phenols and cresols. The scope is broad, covering both crude distillation fractions and more refined products, provided they retain their identity as derived from coal tar distillation and meet the aromatic content criterion. This heading is distinct from crude coal tar (2706) and the solid residues like pitch (2708), focusing specifically on the valuable liquid distillates. Accurate classification under 2707 is paramount for trade compliance, as these products often have specific duties, environmental regulations, and safety standards due to their chemical nature and potential hazards. Historically, coal tar distillation products formed the bedrock of the early chemical industry, providing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic materials, and continue to be essential feedstocks for petrochemicals, solvents, wood preservatives, and specialized fuels, making their global trade significant for various manufacturing sectors.
- Covers
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Xylene
- Naphthalene
- Phenol
- Cresols
- Creosote oil
- Pyridine
- Quinoline
- Anthracene oil
- Carbazole
- Light oil (coal tar distillation)
- Heavy oil (coal tar distillation)
- Solvent naphtha (coal tar origin)
- Wash oil (coal tar origin)
- Tar acids
- Coal tar distillates
- Aniline oil (crude)
- Road tar oils
- Disinfectant oils (coal tar based)
- Flotation oils (coal tar based)
- Refined tar oils.
- Examples
A German chemical manufacturer frequently exports highly refined naphthalene, classified under 2707, to Chinese factories for the production of phthalic anhydride, a plasticizer, utilizing the efficient Rhine-Main-Danube canal system and ocean freight routes. Similarly, a U.S. timber company imports large volumes of creosote oil from Canada via rail and tanker trucks, applying it as a wood preservative for railroad ties and utility poles, demonstrating cross-border trade for infrastructure materials. An Indian specialty chemicals producer exports benzene and toluene, crucial feedstocks from its coal tar processing, to various Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand for use in plastics, rubber, and solvent industries, often shipped in bulk chemical tankers.
Subheadings under 27.07 7
Codes often confused with 27.07
Common mistake. A common misclassification error involves distinguishing products under 2707 from crude coal tar (2706), where 2707 specifically covers products of distillation, not the crude tar itself. Traders also sometimes confuse these with pure, isolated organic chemicals of Chapter 29 (e.g., 2902 for pure benzene), whereas 2707 covers mixtures or less purified fractions derived directly from the distillation process. Another pitfall is mistaking petroleum-derived products of 2710 for coal tar distillates; the origin (coal tar vs. petroleum) is the defining factor. Failing to correctly identify the predominant aromatic content can also lead to misclassification, as this is a key criterion for inclusion in 2707.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2707, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2707 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% 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 Netherlands $5.8B 18% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $3.1B 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Spain $2.7B 8.4% of world exports
World total: $32.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $4.8B 19% of world imports
- 2 Ecuador $2.2B 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $1.9B 7.8% of world imports
World total: $24.8B 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 27.07
What is HS code 2707?
HS code 2707 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; similar products in which the weight of the aromatic constituents exceeds that of the non-aromatic constituents. HS Code 2707 encompasses a diverse range of oils and other products derived from the high-temperature distillation of coal tar, alongside similar products where the weight of aromatic constituents predominates over non-aromatic ones. This crucial classification within Section V (Mineral Products) and Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes) serves as a vital gateway for numerous industrial chemicals and raw materials. It primarily covers the liquid fractions obtained when coal tar, a byproduct of coke and gas production, undergoes fractional distillation at high temperatures. These products are rich in aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, and various phenols and cresols. The scope is broad, covering both crude distillation fractions and more refined products, provided they retain their identity as derived from coal tar distillation and meet the aromatic content criterion. This heading is distinct from crude coal tar (2706) and the solid residues like pitch (2708), focusing specifically on the valuable liquid distillates. Accurate classification under 2707 is paramount for trade compliance, as these products often have specific duties, environmental regulations, and safety standards due to their chemical nature and potential hazards. Historically, coal tar distillation products formed the bedrock of the early chemical industry, providing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic materials, and continue to be essential feedstocks for petrochemicals, solvents, wood preservatives, and specialized fuels, making their global trade significant for various manufacturing sectors.
What products fall under HS code 2707?
Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Naphthalene, Phenol, Cresols, Creosote oil, Pyridine, Quinoline, Anthracene oil, Carbazole, Light oil (coal tar distillation), Heavy oil (coal tar distillation), Solvent naphtha (coal tar origin), Wash oil (coal tar origin), Tar acids, Coal tar distillates, Aniline oil (crude), Road tar oils, Disinfectant oils (coal tar based), Flotation oils (coal tar based), Refined tar oils.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2707?
A common misclassification error involves distinguishing products under 2707 from crude coal tar (2706), where 2707 specifically covers products of distillation, not the crude tar itself. Traders also sometimes confuse these with pure, isolated organic chemicals of Chapter 29 (e.g., 2902 for pure benzene), whereas 2707 covers mixtures or less purified fractions derived directly from the distillation process. Another pitfall is mistaking petroleum-derived products of 2710 for coal tar distillates; the origin (coal tar vs. petroleum) is the defining factor. Failing to correctly identify the predominant aromatic content can also lead to misclassification, as this is a key criterion for inclusion in 2707.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2707?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2707 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($5.8B, 18% of world exports), Belgium ($3.1B) and Spain ($2.7B). World exports came to about $32.0B, 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 2707?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2707 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($4.8B, 19% of world imports), Ecuador ($2.2B) and Singapore ($1.9B). World imports came to about $24.8B, 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.
How is HS code 2707 structured?
HS code 2707 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.