HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2716.00 – Electrical energy
HS code 2716.00 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical energy. It is used for baseload electricity, peak load electricity, renewable energy credits (associated with traded electricity), grid balancing services (enabled by trade) and cross-border power transmission.
What HS 2716.00 covers
This HS code uniquely covers electrical energy itself, traded across national borders. Unlike tangible goods, electrical energy is an invisible commodity, transmitted via power grids and interconnections between countries. International trade in electricity is driven by factors such as differences in generation costs, peak demand management, renewable energy integration, and grid stability. Countries with surplus generation capacity (e.g., from hydro, nuclear, or abundant fossil fuels) often export to neighboring nations facing deficits or higher domestic production costs. Importers benefit from lower energy prices, enhanced grid reliability, and access to diverse energy sources. Key aspects include the development of cross-border transmission infrastructure, regulatory frameworks for energy markets, and the increasing role of renewable energy sources in shaping trade flows. This trade is vital for regional energy security and economic cooperation.
- Covers
- Baseload electricity
- Peak load electricity
- Renewable energy credits (associated with traded electricity)
- Grid balancing services (enabled by trade)
- Cross-border power transmission
- Examples
- Nord Pool Spot (Nordic electricity market)
- PJM Interconnection (US electricity market)
- ENTSO-E (European network of transmission system operators)
- Hydro-Québec (exports to USA)
Codes often confused with 2716.00
Common mistake. This code is distinct as it covers the energy itself, not the equipment for generating or transmitting it (e.g., 8502 for generators, 8544 for cables). It's a unique entry for an intangible commodity.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 271600, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 271600 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 France $7.1B 11% of world exports
- 2 Germany $6.2B 9.5% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $4.5B 6.8% of world exports
World total: $65.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $8.9B 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $6.3B 8.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $4.7B 6.5% of world imports
World total: $71.4B 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.
Brazil NCM code for 2716.00
Brazil does not split HS 2716.00: its NCM code is 2716.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 2716.00
What is HS code 271600?
HS code 271600 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical energy. This HS code uniquely covers electrical energy itself, traded across national borders. Unlike tangible goods, electrical energy is an invisible commodity, transmitted via power grids and interconnections between countries. International trade in electricity is driven by factors such as differences in generation costs, peak demand management, renewable energy integration, and grid stability. Countries with surplus generation capacity (e.g., from hydro, nuclear, or abundant fossil fuels) often export to neighboring nations facing deficits or higher domestic production costs. Importers benefit from lower energy prices, enhanced grid reliability, and access to diverse energy sources. Key aspects include the development of cross-border transmission infrastructure, regulatory frameworks for energy markets, and the increasing role of renewable energy sources in shaping trade flows. This trade is vital for regional energy security and economic cooperation.
What products fall under HS code 271600?
Baseload electricity, peak load electricity, renewable energy credits (associated with traded electricity), grid balancing services (enabled by trade), cross-border power transmission
What are common misclassifications for HS code 271600?
This code is distinct as it covers the energy itself, not the equipment for generating or transmitting it (e.g., 8502 for generators, 8544 for cables). It's a unique entry for an intangible commodity.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 271600?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 271600 in UN Comtrade data were France ($7.1B, 11% of world exports), Germany ($6.2B) and Switzerland ($4.5B). World exports came to about $65.9B, 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 271600?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 271600 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($8.9B, 12% of world imports), Italy ($6.3B) and the United Kingdom ($4.7B). World imports came to about $71.4B, 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 271600 structured?
HS code 271600 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 271600?
In Brazil, HS code 271600 is NCM 2716.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.