HS Code for Asphalt

Asphalt, specifically petroleum bitumen, is classified under HS code 2713.20. This substance is a residue obtained from the distillation of crude petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. In the Harmonized System, Chapter 27 covers mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Bitumen is the heavy, dark, viscous material remaining after the lighter fractions, such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel, have been removed during the refining process. It is primarily used in road construction as a binder and in roofing for waterproofing. The classification 2713.20 is specific to bitumen produced via petroleum refining, often referred to as "asphalt" in North American terminology. It is important to distinguish this from natural bitumen or natural asphalt found in geological deposits, which is classified under heading 2714. The classification under 2713.20 requires the product to be a byproduct of refining rather than a naturally occurring mineral. The physical properties, such as penetration grade and softening point, are used to define different types of bitumen, but they generally all fall under this subheading unless they have been mixed with other materials like solvents or water to form emulsions, which would shift the classification to 2715.

Products Included

• Paving grade petroleum bitumen
• Oxidized or blown bitumen
• Hard grade bitumen for industrial use
• Petroleum asphalt used in roofing
• Straight-run bitumen from vacuum distillation

Common Misclassification

Asphalt is often confused with HS code 2714.90, which covers natural bitumen and asphalt. The distinction lies in the origin: 2713.20 is for refinery-produced bitumen, while 2714 is for mined natural products. Another common misclassification is 2715.00, which covers bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt or petroleum bitumen. If the asphalt has been mixed with mineral aggregates (asphalt concrete) or emulsified with water and surfactants, it must be classified under 2715.

FAQ

What is the HS code for petroleum asphalt?

The HS code for petroleum asphalt (bitumen) is 2713.20.

Is natural asphalt classified under the same code?

No, natural asphalt and natural bitumen are classified under HS code 2714.90.