HS Code for Coal tar pitch

Coal tar pitch is classified under HS code 2708.10, which specifically identifies pitch obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars. This classification is determined by the product's origin as a residue of the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. In the Harmonized System, Chapter 27 covers mineral fuels and oils, and heading 2708 is dedicated to pitch and pitch coke. The classification 2708.10 is reserved for the pitch itself, which is a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds. It is primarily used as a binder in the production of electrodes for the aluminum and steel industries, as well as in waterproofing and roofing applications. The technical distinction for this code relies on the material being a solid or semi-solid at room temperature, resulting from the deep distillation of tar, rather than being the raw tar itself.

Products Included

• High-temperature coal tar pitch
• Low-temperature coal tar pitch
• Electrode binder pitch
• Impregnation pitch for graphite electrodes
• Hard pitch used in refractory materials
• Soft pitch for specialized industrial coatings

Common Misclassification

Coal tar pitch is frequently confused with coal tar, which falls under HS code 2706.00. The primary difference is that 2706.00 covers the liquid distillate, while 2708.10 covers the solid or semi-solid residue remaining after further processing. Additionally, it may be misclassified with pitch coke (HS code 2708.20), which is the product obtained by the carbonization of pitch. Importers must also distinguish it from bitumen and asphalt (HS code 2713), which are petroleum-derived rather than coal-derived.

FAQ

What is the HS code for coal tar pitch?

The primary HS code for coal tar pitch is 2708.10, which covers pitch obtained from the distillation of coal tar.

How is pitch distinguished from tar in the HS system?

Tar (2706) is the initial liquid condensed from the gas produced during the destructive distillation of coal, whereas pitch (2708) is the heavy, black, resinous residue left after the volatile oils have been removed from the tar through further distillation.