Product classification
HS code for Coal briquettes: 2701.20
Briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels, manufactured from coal.
Classification of coal briquettes under HS 2701.20
Coal briquettes are classified under HS code 270120. This classification applies to solid fuels that have been manufactured from coal through a process of agglomeration. Unlike raw coal, which is extracted and sized, briquettes are produced by taking coal fines, dust, or small particles and compressing them into a uniform shape, such as an ovoid, cylinder, or block. This process often involves the use of a binder like starch or pitch to ensure the fuel maintains its structural integrity during transport and combustion. Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System covers mineral fuels and oils, and heading 2701 is dedicated to coal. While subheadings 270111 through 270119 cover various types of raw coal (anthracite, bituminous, etc.), subheading 270120 is specifically reserved for coal that has been physically transformed into manufactured fuel shapes. This classification is essential for distinguishing between primary raw materials and value-added energy products.
- Covers
- Compressed coal briquettes
- Ovoid-shaped coal fuels
- Coal dust blocks for industrial heating
- Agglomerated coal fines
- Smokeless coal briquettes for domestic use
- Reconstituted coal fuel cylinders
- Also under 2701.20
- RUF briquettes (general term for shape)
- Pini-Kay briquettes (general term for shape)
- Weber briquettes (charcoal, if coal-based)
- Kingsford charcoal briquettes (if coal-based)
Codes often confused with 2701.20
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs when coal briquettes are placed under HS code 440290, which is for wood charcoal. While both are briquetted fuels, 4402 is strictly for carbonized vegetable matter, whereas 270120 is for mineral coal. Another error involves using the codes for raw coal, such as 270111 (Anthracite) or 270112 (Bituminous coal). If the coal has been crushed and pressed into a specific shape with a binder, it must be moved from the raw coal subheadings to 270120. Additionally, peat briquettes should not be confused with coal briquettes; peat is classified under 270300.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270120 (the code used for coal briquettes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270120 (the code used for coal briquettes) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 17% 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 270120, not only coal briquettes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $30M 30% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $27M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $99M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $13M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $12M 17% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $8.8M 12% of world imports
World total: $73M 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 coal briquettes
Brazil classifies coal briquettes under NCM 2701.20.00: HS 2701.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about coal briquettes
What is the HS code for Coal briquettes?
The HS code for Coal briquettes is 270120 (Briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels; manufactured from coal). The HS code for briquettes, ovoids, and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal is 270120.
How do I classify Coal briquettes for customs?
Coal briquettes is classified under HS code 270120 — Briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels; manufactured from coal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include charcoal briquettes?
No, charcoal briquettes made from wood are classified under HS code 4402, while those made from coal are under 270120.
Which countries are the top exporters of coal briquettes (HS 270120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270120 (the code used for coal briquettes) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($30M, 30% of world exports), South Africa ($27M) and the United States ($13M). World exports came to about $99M, 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 coal briquettes (HS 270120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270120 (the code used for coal briquettes) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($13M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($12M) and Czechia ($8.8M). World imports came to about $73M, 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 Coal briquettes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270120 for Coal briquettes 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 coal briquettes in Brazil?
In Brazil, coal briquettes (HS 270120) is classified under NCM 2701.20.00.