Product classification
HS code for Coal tar pitch: 2708.10
Pitch, obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars.
Classification of coal tar pitch under HS 2708.10
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 2708.10
- Rain Carbon CTP (Coal Tar Pitch)
- Koppers CTP
- Rütgers CTP
Codes often confused with 2708.10
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270810 (the code used for coal tar pitch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270810 (the code used for coal tar pitch) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 11% 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 270810, not only coal tar pitch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $344M 41% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $152M 18% of world exports
- 3 India $129M 16% of world exports
World total: $832M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$115M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Norway $106M 10% of world imports
- 3 Bahrain* ~$78M 7.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.0B 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 coal tar pitch
Brazil classifies coal tar pitch under NCM 2708.10.00: HS 2708.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about coal tar pitch
What is the HS code for Coal tar pitch?
The HS code for Coal tar pitch is 270810 (Pitch; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars). The primary HS code for coal tar pitch is 2708.10, which covers pitch obtained from the distillation of coal tar.
How do I classify Coal tar pitch for customs?
Coal tar pitch is classified under HS code 270810 — Pitch; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of coal tar pitch (HS 270810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270810 (the code used for coal tar pitch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($344M, 41% of world exports), Belgium ($152M) and India ($129M). World exports came to about $832M, 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 tar pitch (HS 270810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270810 (the code used for coal tar pitch) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $115M, 11% of world imports), Norway ($106M) and Bahrain (about $78M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 tar pitch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270810 for Coal tar pitch 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 tar pitch in Brazil?
In Brazil, coal tar pitch (HS 270810) is classified under NCM 2708.10.00.