HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2707.20 – Oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; toluol (toluene)
HS code 2707.20 is the 6-digit subheading for oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar, toluol (toluene). It is used for toluene, crude toluol, refined toluol, pure toluene and industrial grade toluene.
What HS 2707.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers toluol, which is primarily toluene, obtained from the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. Toluene is another vital aromatic hydrocarbon, widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks. It is also a key precursor in the production of other chemicals, including benzene (via dealkylation), diisocyanates (for polyurethanes), and trinitrotoluene (TNT). Like benzene, toluene is a product of the complex refining process of crude coal tar. Countries with robust manufacturing sectors that utilize solvents or have significant chemical production capabilities are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with active coking industries and sophisticated chemical processing plants. The global trade in toluene is influenced by industrial demand, environmental regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the availability of alternative sources, particularly from petroleum refining, which is a more common source for toluene today.
- Covers
- Toluene
- Crude toluol
- Refined toluol
- Pure toluene
- Industrial grade toluene
- Examples
- Shell Chemicals toluene
- LyondellBasell toluene
- BASF toluene
- various coal tar distillers' toluene
Codes often confused with 2707.20
Common mistake. This code is specifically for toluene derived from high-temperature coal tar, distinguishing it from toluene derived from petroleum (often under 290230 if pure, or other petroleum product codes if mixed). It's also distinct from crude coal tar (270600).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 270720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 270720 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 39% 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 Japan $59M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $58M 26% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $46M 20% of world exports
World total: $227M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $153M 39% of world imports
- 2 United States $63M 16% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $57M 15% of world imports
World total: $390M 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 2707.20
Brazil does not split HS 2707.20: its NCM code is 2707.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.07 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2707.20
What is HS code 270720?
HS code 270720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; toluol (toluene). This HS code specifically covers toluol, which is primarily toluene, obtained from the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. Toluene is another vital aromatic hydrocarbon, widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks. It is also a key precursor in the production of other chemicals, including benzene (via dealkylation), diisocyanates (for polyurethanes), and trinitrotoluene (TNT). Like benzene, toluene is a product of the complex refining process of crude coal tar. Countries with robust manufacturing sectors that utilize solvents or have significant chemical production capabilities are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with active coking industries and sophisticated chemical processing plants. The global trade in toluene is influenced by industrial demand, environmental regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the availability of alternative sources, particularly from petroleum refining, which is a more common source for toluene today.
What products fall under HS code 270720?
Toluene, crude toluol, refined toluol, pure toluene, industrial grade toluene
What are common misclassifications for HS code 270720?
This code is specifically for toluene derived from high-temperature coal tar, distinguishing it from toluene derived from petroleum (often under 290230 if pure, or other petroleum product codes if mixed). It's also distinct from crude coal tar (270600).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 270720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 270720 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($59M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($58M) and Belgium ($46M). World exports came to about $227M, 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 270720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 270720 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($153M, 39% of world imports), the United States ($63M) and South Korea ($57M). World imports came to about $390M, 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 270720 structured?
HS code 270720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) 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 270720?
In Brazil, HS code 270720 is NCM 2707.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.