Product classification
HS code for Creosote: 2707.91
Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar, creosote oils.
Classification of creosote under HS 2707.91
Creosote is classified under HS code 2707.91, which specifically covers creosote oils derived from the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 27 encompasses mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Heading 2707 is designated for oils and other products where the weight of the aromatic constituents exceeds that of the non-aromatic constituents. Creosote oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily phenols and aromatic compounds, obtained during the carbonization of coal. It is distinct from wood creosote, which is a chemical product of wood distillation. The classification 2707.91 is reserved for the coal-tar variety, often used as a heavy-duty wood preservative for railroad ties and utility poles.
- Covers
- Coal tar creosote
- Distilled coal tar oils
- Heavy creosote oil
- Liquid coal tar distillates for wood preservation
- Aromatic creosote fractions
- Also under 2707.91
- Koppers Creosote
- Lonza Creosote
- Viance Creosote
Codes often confused with 2707.91
Common mistake. Creosote is frequently misclassified under HS code 3808.92, which covers fungicides. While creosote has fungicidal properties, the HS nomenclature prioritizes the chemical nature and origin of the substance (distillation of coal tar) over its end-use application when a specific heading like 2707 exists. Additionally, it is often confused with wood creosote, which falls under HS code 3807.00 as a wood tar derivative. Importers must distinguish between mineral-based and vegetable-based distillates to avoid customs delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 55% 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 270791, not only creosote.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $32M 35% of world exports
- 2 Canada $29M 32% of world exports
- 3 Australia $18M 19% of world exports
World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $88M 55% of world imports
- 2 Japan $18M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.4M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $161M 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 creosote
Brazil classifies creosote under NCM 2707.91.00: HS 2707.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about creosote
What is the HS code for Creosote?
The HS code for Creosote is 270791 (Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; creosote oils). The primary HS code for coal-tar derived creosote is 2707.91.
How do I classify Creosote for customs?
Creosote is classified under HS code 270791 — Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; creosote oils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is wood creosote classified under the same code?
No, wood creosote is classified under HS code 3807.00, as it is a product of the distillation of wood tar rather than coal tar.
Which countries are the top exporters of creosote (HS 270791)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($32M, 35% of world exports), Canada ($29M) and Australia ($18M). World exports came to about $91M, 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 creosote (HS 270791)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($88M, 55% of world imports), Japan ($18M) and the United Kingdom ($8.4M). World imports came to about $161M, 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 Creosote the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270791 for Creosote 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 creosote in Brazil?
In Brazil, creosote (HS 270791) is classified under NCM 2707.91.00.