Product classification
HS code for Cut-back asphalt: 2715.00
Bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, on natural bitumen, on petroleum bitumen, on mineral tar or on mineral tar pitch (e.g. bituminous mastics, cut-backs).
Classification of cut-back asphalt under HS 2715.00
Cut-back asphalt is classified under HS code 2715.00. This code is part of Chapter 27, which encompasses mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Heading 2715 specifically covers bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, natural bitumen, petroleum bitumen, mineral tar, or mineral tar pitch. Cut-back asphalt is a bituminous mixture created by dissolving a bitumen binder in a liquid solvent, such as kerosene, naphtha, or diesel oil. This process reduces the viscosity of the bitumen, making it easier to apply for road surfacing or waterproofing at lower temperatures. The classification is determined by the fact that the product is a mixture rather than a pure substance. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this heading includes bituminous mastics and other bituminous mixtures used for paving or as protective coatings for buildings. The presence of the diluent or solvent is the defining characteristic that places this product under 2715.00 rather than under the codes for pure bitumen.
- Covers
- Liquid cut-back asphalt
- Rapid-curing (RC) cut-backs
- Medium-curing (MC) cut-backs
- Slow-curing (SC) cut-backs or road oils
- Bituminous mastics
- Also under 2715.00
- Sika Bituminous Mastics
- BASF Bituminous Coatings
- Colas Emulsions
- W. R. Meadows Asphaltic Sealants
Codes often confused with 2715.00
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2713.20, which is reserved for pure petroleum bitumen. While cut-back asphalt contains bitumen, the addition of a solvent makes it a mixture, necessitating the use of 2715.00. Another area of confusion is HS code 2714.90, which covers natural bitumen and asphalt. If the product is a manufactured mixture rather than a naturally occurring substance, 2715.00 is the correct designation. Furthermore, bituminous macadam (stone coated with bitumen) should not be confused with this code, as it is typically classified under heading 2517 depending on the proportions and intended use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271500 (the code used for cut-back asphalt), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271500 (the code used for cut-back asphalt) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world imports. The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 271500, not only cut-back asphalt.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $98M 12% of world exports
- 2 Canada $97M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $92M 12% of world exports
World total: $794M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.4B 68% of world imports
- 2 United States $126M 3.5% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $72M 2.0% of world imports
The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.6B 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 cut-back asphalt
Brazil classifies cut-back asphalt under NCM 2715.00.00: HS 2715.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cut-back asphalt
What is the HS code for Cut-back asphalt?
The HS code for Cut-back asphalt is 271500 (Bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, on natural bitumen, on petroleum bitumen, on mineral tar or on mineral tar pitch (e.g. bituminous mastics, cut-backs)). The HS code for cut-back asphalt is 2715.00, covering bituminous mixtures based on petroleum bitumen or natural asphalt.
How do I classify Cut-back asphalt for customs?
Cut-back asphalt is classified under HS code 271500 — Bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, on natural bitumen, on petroleum bitumen, on mineral tar or on mineral tar pitch (e.g. bituminous mastics, cut-backs). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is asphalt emulsion classified under 2715.00?
While some emulsions may fall here, many are classified under specific subheadings or even Chapter 38 if they contain significant chemical additives, though 2715.00 remains the primary heading for bituminous road-surfacing mixtures.
Which countries are the top exporters of cut-back asphalt (HS 271500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271500 (the code used for cut-back asphalt) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($98M, 12% of world exports), Canada ($97M) and Germany ($92M). World exports came to about $794M, 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 cut-back asphalt (HS 271500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271500 (the code used for cut-back asphalt) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 68% of world imports), the United States ($126M) and Malaysia ($72M). World imports came to about $3.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Cut-back asphalt the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271500 for Cut-back asphalt 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 cut-back asphalt in Brazil?
In Brazil, cut-back asphalt (HS 271500) is classified under NCM 2715.00.00.