Product classification
HS code for Coconut shell charcoal: 4402.20
Wood, charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated.
Classification of coconut shell charcoal under HS 4402.20
Coconut shell charcoal is classified under HS code 4402.20. Chapter 44 of the Harmonized System deals with wood and articles of wood, including wood charcoal. Heading 4402 specifically covers wood charcoal (including shell or nut charcoal), whether or not agglomerated. Subheading 4402.20 was specifically created to distinguish charcoal made from shells or nuts (like coconut shells) from charcoal made from traditional timber. This product is produced through the carbonization of coconut shells in a limited oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis. It is important to note that this code applies to the raw or briquetted charcoal before any activation process. Coconut shell charcoal is highly valued for its high carbon content and density, making it an ideal precursor for activated carbon or as a high-quality fuel for cooking and industrial heating. The classification under 4402.20 ensures that the trade of non-timber charcoal is accurately recorded, reflecting the growing market for sustainable biomass-derived fuels. Even if the charcoal is compressed into briquettes for shisha or barbecue use, it remains within this heading.
- Covers
- Carbonized coconut shells
- Coconut shell charcoal briquettes
- Granulated coconut shell charcoal (non-activated)
- Coconut shell charcoal powder
- Also under 4402.20
- Jacobi Carbons (activated carbon)
- Calgon Carbon (activated carbon)
- Kingsford (BBQ charcoal, some varieties)
- Coco Nara (hookah charcoal)
Codes often confused with 4402.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for this product is 3802.10, which covers activated carbon. While coconut shell charcoal is the raw material for activated carbon, it only moves to 3802.10 after undergoing a secondary activation process (thermal or chemical) to increase its porosity. Another error is using 4402.90, which is a residual category for other types of wood charcoal. Since 4402.20 specifically mentions shell or nut charcoal, it must be used for coconut shell products. Finally, some importers mistakenly use 4401 for fuel wood, but carbonized products must be classified under 4402.
Top exporters and importers of HS 440220 (the code used for coconut shell charcoal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440220 (the code used for coconut shell charcoal) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 440220, not only coconut shell charcoal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $281M 60% of world exports
- 2 Philippines $122M 26% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$14M 3.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $466M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $103M 27% of world imports
- 2 Iraq* ~$54M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Lebanon* ~$29M 7.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $380M 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 coconut shell charcoal
Brazil classifies coconut shell charcoal under NCM 4402.20.00: HS 4402.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about coconut shell charcoal
What is the HS code for Coconut shell charcoal?
The HS code for Coconut shell charcoal is 440220 (Wood; charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated). The specific HS code for charcoal made from coconut shells or other nuts is 4402.20.
How do I classify Coconut shell charcoal for customs?
Coconut shell charcoal is classified under HS code 440220 — Wood; charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is activated coconut charcoal classified under 4402.20?
No, once the charcoal has been activated to increase its absorptive properties, it is classified under HS code 3802.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of coconut shell charcoal (HS 440220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440220 (the code used for coconut shell charcoal) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($281M, 60% of world exports), the Philippines ($122M) and Vietnam (about $14M). World exports came to about $466M, 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 coconut shell charcoal (HS 440220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 440220 (the code used for coconut shell charcoal) in UN Comtrade data were China ($103M, 27% of world imports), Iraq (about $54M) and Lebanon (about $29M). World imports came to about $380M, 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 Coconut shell charcoal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 440220 for Coconut shell charcoal 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 coconut shell charcoal in Brazil?
In Brazil, coconut shell charcoal (HS 440220) is classified under NCM 4402.20.00.