HS Code 27.08 – Pitch and pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars

HS code 2708 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pitch and pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. HS Code 2708 is dedicated to 'Pitch and pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars,' falling within Section V (Mineral Products) and Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). This classification encompasses the solid or semi-solid residues left after the distillation of coal tar or other mineral tars, as well as the coke produced from these pitches. Pitch is a highly viscous, black, and often brittle material, while pitch coke is a porous, high-carbon solid. The scope includes various grades of pitch, such as binder pitch used in electrode manufacturing, impregnating pitch, and roofing pitch, along with the coke derived from them. It's crucial to differentiate these from crude tars (2706) and the liquid distillates (2707), as 2708 specifically covers the heavy, non-volatile fractions and their coked derivatives. This classification is vital for industries requiring high-carbon materials, binders, and waterproofing agents. Trade compliance for 2708 products often involves careful consideration of environmental regulations, particularly regarding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and specific handling requirements for bulk solid materials. Historically, pitch has been used for centuries for sealing, waterproofing, and binding, with pitch coke gaining prominence in modern industries like aluminum smelting as an anode material, highlighting its enduring and evolving trade significance.

Coal tar pitch, Petroleum pitch (derived from mineral tars other than coal), Lignite pitch, Peat pitch, Pitch coke (from coal tar), Binder pitch, Impregnating pitch, Electrode pitch, Roofing pitch, Paving pitch, Waterproofing pitch, Briquette binder pitch, Refractory pitch, Insulation pitch, Carbon black feedstock pitch, Foundry pitch, Activated pitch, Specialty pitches.

Common misclassification mistakes for 2708 often arise from confusing pitch with crude coal tar (2706); pitch is a refined residue of tar distillation, not the raw tar. Another error is classifying the liquid distillates of tar (2707) as pitch, which is the solid or semi-solid residue. Traders sometimes confuse pitch coke with petroleum coke (2710) or other forms of carbon like metallurgical coke (2704), but 2708 is specifically for pitch coke derived from coal or mineral tars. The key differentiator lies in the origin and the stage of processing – 2708 is specifically for the heavy, non-volatile residues and their coked forms from tar distillation.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2708 in UN Comtrade data were China ($345M, 38% of world exports), Belgium ($152M) and India ($129M). World exports came to about $912M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2708 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $115M, 9.9% of world imports), Norway ($106M) and Bahrain (about $78M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.

HS code 2708 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.