Product classification
HS code for Benzol: 2707.10
Oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar, benzol (benzene).
Classification of benzol under HS 2707.10
Benzol, also known as benzene in a commercial context, is classified under HS code 2707.10 when it is a product of the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. Chapter 27 covers mineral fuels and oils. The distinction for 2707.10 is that it includes oils and other products where the weight of the aromatic constituents exceeds that of the non-aromatic constituents. This specific code is used for benzol that is not chemically pure. If the benzene reaches a purity level of 95% or higher by weight, it is typically classified in Chapter 29 as a separate chemically defined organic compound. However, for industrial-grade benzol derived from coal tar distillation, 2707.10 remains the correct classification. This reflects the origin of the product and its status as a primary distillation fraction rather than a refined chemical reagent. The distinction between Chapter 27 and Chapter 29 is a fundamental principle of the Harmonized System, separating mineral-derived mixtures from pure chemical compounds. For benzol, this means that the distillation range and the specific gravity of the liquid are often used as supporting evidence to justify classification under 2707.10.
- Covers
- Crude benzol from coal tar
- Industrial grade benzene (less than 95% purity)
- High-temperature coal tar distillation fractions rich in benzene
- Commercial benzol for solvent use
- Also under 2707.10
- BASF benzene
- Dow Chemical benzene
- ExxonMobil benzene (though often petroleum-derived, the product is the same)
- various coal tar distillers' benzene
Codes often confused with 2707.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 2902.20. Code 2902.20 is reserved for chemically pure benzene (95% or more purity by weight). Importers often use the Chapter 29 code for industrial benzol, which is incorrect if the product is a less-refined coal tar distillate. Additionally, it may be confused with 2710.12 (light oils) if the coal tar origin is not clearly documented.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270710 (the code used for benzol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270710 (the code used for benzol) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 30% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 270710, not only benzol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $102M 16% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $82M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $81M 13% of world exports
World total: $648M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $252M 30% of world imports
- 2 Germany $158M 18% of world imports
- 3 China $136M 16% of world imports
World total: $854M 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 benzol
Brazil classifies benzol under NCM 2707.10.00: HS 2707.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about benzol
What is the HS code for Benzol?
The HS code for Benzol is 270710 (Oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; benzol (benzene)). The HS code for benzol derived from coal tar distillation is 2707.10.
How do I classify Benzol for customs?
Benzol is classified under HS code 270710 — Oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; benzol (benzene). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does purity affect the HS code for benzol?
If the benzol (benzene) is 95% pure or higher by weight, it should be classified under 2902.20 instead of 2707.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of benzol (HS 270710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270710 (the code used for benzol) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($102M, 16% of world exports), Indonesia ($82M) and France ($81M). World exports came to about $648M, 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 benzol (HS 270710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270710 (the code used for benzol) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($252M, 30% of world imports), Germany ($158M) and China ($136M). World imports came to about $854M, 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.
Is the HS code for Benzol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270710 for Benzol is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for benzol in Brazil?
In Brazil, benzol (HS 270710) is classified under NCM 2707.10.00.