HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2708.10 – Pitch; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars
HS code 2708.10 is the 6-digit subheading for pitch, obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. It is used for coal tar pitch, binder pitch, impregnating pitch, roofing pitch and electrode pitch.
What HS 2708.10 covers
This HS code covers pitch obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars. Pitch is a viscous, black, semi-solid or solid residue remaining after the distillation of coal tar. It is a critical binding agent and raw material for various industrial applications. Its primary use is in the production of carbon anodes for the aluminum smelting industry, where it acts as a binder for petroleum coke. It is also used in roofing, road construction, and as a binder for refractory materials and electrodes. The global trade of coal tar pitch is closely linked to the aluminum industry's demand and construction activities. Major importers and exporters include countries with significant aluminum production capacities and robust infrastructure development.
- Covers
- Coal tar pitch
- Binder pitch
- Impregnating pitch
- Roofing pitch
- Electrode pitch
- Pitch for carbon products
- Examples
- Rain Carbon CTP (Coal Tar Pitch)
- Koppers CTP
- Rütgers CTP
Codes often confused with 2708.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with asphalt or bitumen (2713.20), which are petroleum-derived, or even some heavy fuel oils (2710) if its solid/semi-solid nature and specific application as a binder are overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 270810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 270810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 11% 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 China $344M 41% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $152M 18% of world exports
- 3 India $129M 16% of world exports
World total: $832M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$115M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Norway $106M 10% of world imports
- 3 Bahrain* ~$78M 7.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2708.10
Brazil does not split HS 2708.10: its NCM code is 2708.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2708.10
What is HS code 270810?
HS code 270810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pitch; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. This HS code covers pitch obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars. Pitch is a viscous, black, semi-solid or solid residue remaining after the distillation of coal tar. It is a critical binding agent and raw material for various industrial applications. Its primary use is in the production of carbon anodes for the aluminum smelting industry, where it acts as a binder for petroleum coke. It is also used in roofing, road construction, and as a binder for refractory materials and electrodes. The global trade of coal tar pitch is closely linked to the aluminum industry's demand and construction activities. Major importers and exporters include countries with significant aluminum production capacities and robust infrastructure development.
What products fall under HS code 270810?
Coal tar pitch, binder pitch, impregnating pitch, roofing pitch, electrode pitch, pitch for carbon products
What are common misclassifications for HS code 270810?
This code can be confused with asphalt or bitumen (2713.20), which are petroleum-derived, or even some heavy fuel oils (2710) if its solid/semi-solid nature and specific application as a binder are overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 270810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 270810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($344M, 41% of world exports), Belgium ($152M) and India ($129M). World exports came to about $832M, 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 270810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 270810 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $115M, 11% of world imports), Norway ($106M) and Bahrain (about $78M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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.
How is HS code 270810 structured?
HS code 270810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 270810?
In Brazil, HS code 270810 is NCM 2708.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.