Product classification
HS code for Creosote oil: 2707.91
Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar, creosote oils.
Classification of creosote oil under HS 2707.91
Creosote oil is classified under HS code 2707.91. Heading 2707 covers oils and other products of the distillation of high-temperature coal tar, as well as similar products in which the weight of the aromatic constituents exceeds that of the non-aromatic constituents. Creosote oil is a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons obtained from the distillation of coal tar. The classification is specific to the chemical composition and the origin of the distillation process. It is distinct from wood creosote, which is a different chemical product derived from wood tar. Under the 2707 heading, the system differentiates between specific distillates like benzole, toluole, and xylole, with 2707.91 being the dedicated code for creosote oils. This classification is used primarily for bulk industrial creosote used in wood preservation, such as treating railway sleepers or utility poles, and as a component in industrial fuel applications.
- Covers
- Coal tar creosote
- Distilled creosote oil
- High-temperature coal tar distillates (creosote fraction)
- Liquid creosote for wood preservation
- Wash oil (creosote type)
- Also under 2707.91
- Koppers Creosote
- Lonza Creosote
- Viance Creosote
Codes often confused with 2707.91
Common mistake. Creosote oil is frequently confused with HS code 3808.91 or 3808.92 if it is packaged for retail sale as a disinfectant or wood preservative. However, in bulk industrial form, 2707.91 is correct. Another common error is confusing it with wood creosote, which is classified under 2907 or 3807.00. Furthermore, raw coal tar (not yet distilled) is classified under 2706.00. Importers must distinguish between the crude tar and the specific distilled oil fraction to ensure correct coding.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote oil) 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 oil.
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 oil
Brazil classifies creosote oil 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 oil
What is the HS code for Creosote oil?
The HS code for Creosote oil is 270791 (Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar; creosote oils). The HS code for creosote oil derived from the distillation of high-temperature coal tar is 2707.91.
How do I classify Creosote oil for customs?
Creosote oil 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-derived creosote classified under the same code?
No, wood creosote is a different chemical product and is typically classified under HS code 3807.00 (wood tar oils) or within Chapter 29 if it meets specific chemical purity standards.
Which countries are the top exporters of creosote oil (HS 270791)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote oil) 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 oil (HS 270791)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270791 (the code used for creosote oil) 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 oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270791 for Creosote oil 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 oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, creosote oil (HS 270791) is classified under NCM 2707.91.00.