HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4402.20 – Wood; charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated
HS code 4402.20 is the 6-digit subheading for wood, charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated. It is used for coconut shell charcoal, palm kernel shell charcoal, activated carbon from coconut shells, charcoal briquettes from nut shells and BBQ charcoal from fruit pits.
What HS 4402.20 covers
This HS code covers charcoal derived from nuts or shells, whether or not agglomerated. This specialized charcoal is a byproduct of the agricultural industry, utilizing materials like coconut shells, palm kernel shells, and other fruit pits. It's highly sought after in international trade due to its excellent calorific value, low ash content, and high density, making it an ideal fuel for grilling and industrial processes. Furthermore, it's a primary raw material for producing high-quality activated carbon, used extensively in water purification, air filtration, and medical applications. Exporters are typically agricultural powerhouses in tropical regions, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, while importers include activated carbon manufacturers, barbecue product companies, and industrial users worldwide. Trade considerations include raw material consistency, carbonization efficiency, and sustainable sourcing practices, especially given the EUDR's focus on responsible supply chains.
- Covers
- Coconut shell charcoal
- Palm kernel shell charcoal
- Activated carbon from coconut shells
- Charcoal briquettes from nut shells
- BBQ charcoal from fruit pits
- Water filter media
- Industrial activated carbon
- Examples
- Jacobi Carbons (activated carbon)
- Calgon Carbon (activated carbon)
- Kingsford (BBQ charcoal, some varieties)
- Coco Nara (hookah charcoal)
Codes often confused with 4402.20
Common mistake. This code is specific to charcoal from nuts or shells and should not be confused with 440210 (bamboo charcoal) or 440290 (other wood charcoal). The origin of the charcoal is the critical distinguishing factor.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 440220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 440220 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 Indonesia $281M 60% of world exports
- 2 Philippines $122M 26% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$14M 3.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $466M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $103M 27% of world imports
- 2 Iraq* ~$54M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Lebanon* ~$29M 7.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $380M 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 4402.20
Brazil does not split HS 4402.20: its NCM code is 4402.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 44.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 4402.20
What is HS code 440220?
HS code 440220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wood; charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated. This HS code covers charcoal derived from nuts or shells, whether or not agglomerated. This specialized charcoal is a byproduct of the agricultural industry, utilizing materials like coconut shells, palm kernel shells, and other fruit pits. It's highly sought after in international trade due to its excellent calorific value, low ash content, and high density, making it an ideal fuel for grilling and industrial processes. Furthermore, it's a primary raw material for producing high-quality activated carbon, used extensively in water purification, air filtration, and medical applications. Exporters are typically agricultural powerhouses in tropical regions, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, while importers include activated carbon manufacturers, barbecue product companies, and industrial users worldwide. Trade considerations include raw material consistency, carbonization efficiency, and sustainable sourcing practices, especially given the EUDR's focus on responsible supply chains.
What products fall under HS code 440220?
Coconut shell charcoal, Palm kernel shell charcoal, Activated carbon from coconut shells, Charcoal briquettes from nut shells, BBQ charcoal from fruit pits, Water filter media, Industrial activated carbon
What are common misclassifications for HS code 440220?
This code is specific to charcoal from nuts or shells and should not be confused with 440210 (bamboo charcoal) or 440290 (other wood charcoal). The origin of the charcoal is the critical distinguishing factor.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 440220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 440220 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($281M, 60% of world exports), the Philippines ($122M) and Vietnam (about $14M). World exports came to about $466M, 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 440220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 440220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($103M, 27% of world imports), Iraq (about $54M) and Lebanon (about $29M). World imports came to about $380M, 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 440220 structured?
HS code 440220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (44) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) 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 440220?
In Brazil, HS code 440220 is NCM 4402.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.