Product classification
HS code for Lignite briquettes: 2702.20
Lignite, agglomerated, excluding jet.
Classification of lignite briquettes under HS 2702.20
Lignite briquettes are classified under HS code 2702.20. Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a low-rank coal characterized by high moisture content and low energy density compared to hard coal. The classification 2702.20 specifically refers to lignite that has undergone \"agglomeration.\" Agglomeration is the industrial process of compressing lignite dust or small particles into larger, uniform shapes like briquettes, pellets, or blocks, often using a binder or high pressure. This process makes the fuel easier to transport, handle, and burn efficiently in industrial or domestic furnaces. This code excludes jet, which is a gemstone-quality form of lignite classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Agglomerated brown coal briquettes
- Lignite pellets for industrial heating
- Compressed lignite blocks
- Brown coal ovoids
- Agglomerated lignite dust for fuel use
- Also under 2702.20
- Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG) lignite briquettes
- RWE Power AG lignite briquettes
- various European domestic lignite fuels
Codes often confused with 2702.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 2702.10, which is for lignite that is not agglomerated (e.g., raw mined lignite or pulverized lignite not yet formed into shapes). It is also sometimes confused with 2701.20, which covers briquettes made from anthracite or bituminous (hard) coal. The distinction depends entirely on the geological rank of the coal; lignite is geologically younger and has a lower carbon content than the coals in heading 2701.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270220 (the code used for lignite briquettes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270220 (the code used for lignite briquettes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 86% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 34% 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 270220, not only lignite briquettes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $35M 86% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $1.7M 4.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.2M 3.0% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $9.2M 34% of world imports
- 2 Slovakia $5.2M 19% of world imports
- 3 Austria $2.5M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $27M 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 lignite briquettes
Brazil classifies lignite briquettes under NCM 2702.20.00: HS 2702.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lignite briquettes
What is the HS code for Lignite briquettes?
The HS code for Lignite briquettes is 270220 (Lignite; agglomerated, excluding jet). The HS code is 2702.20, which covers agglomerated lignite, excluding jet.
How do I classify Lignite briquettes for customs?
Lignite briquettes is classified under HS code 270220 — Lignite; agglomerated, excluding jet. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is jet classified under this HS code?
No, although jet is a variety of lignite, it is specifically excluded from heading 2702 and is typically classified under heading 2530 or as a semi-precious stone in Chapter 71.
Which countries are the top exporters of lignite briquettes (HS 270220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270220 (the code used for lignite briquettes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($35M, 86% of world exports), Türkiye ($1.7M) and the United States ($1.2M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 lignite briquettes (HS 270220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270220 (the code used for lignite briquettes) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($9.2M, 34% of world imports), Slovakia ($5.2M) and Austria ($2.5M). World imports came to about $27M, 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 Lignite briquettes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270220 for Lignite briquettes 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 lignite briquettes in Brazil?
In Brazil, lignite briquettes (HS 270220) is classified under NCM 2702.20.00.