Product classification
HS code for Lignite coke: 2704.00
Coke and semi-coke, of coal, lignite or peat, whether or not agglomerated, retort carbon.
Classification of lignite coke under HS 2704.00
Lignite coke is classified under HS code 2704.00, which encompasses coke and semi-coke derived from coal, lignite, or peat. The classification is determined by the thermal treatment process known as carbonization or destructive distillation. Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, undergoes heating at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to drive off volatile matter, leaving behind a carbon-rich solid residue. This product is distinct from raw lignite because its physical and chemical properties have been fundamentally altered through heat. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, the product is classified based on the terms of the headings. Since heading 2704 explicitly mentions coke and semi-coke of lignite, it takes precedence over general mineral fuel categories. The material must be in a solid state and intended for use as a fuel or a reducing agent in metallurgical processes to meet the criteria of this heading.
- Covers
- Lignite coke produced by high-temperature carbonization
- Semi-coke of lignite produced at lower temperatures
- Agglomerated lignite coke in the form of briquettes
- Retort carbon obtained as a by-product in gas works
- Lignite char used for industrial filtration or heating
- Also under 2704.00
- ArcelorMittal coke
- Tata Steel coke
- POSCO coke
- various industrial coke suppliers
Codes often confused with 2704.00
Common mistake. Lignite coke is frequently misclassified under HS code 2702, which covers lignite that has not been carbonized. While 2702 includes dehydrated or pulverized lignite, it does not cover products that have undergone the chemical change into coke. Another common error is using HS code 3802 for activated carbon. While both are carbonaceous, 3802 is reserved for carbon that has been chemically or physically treated to increase its porosity and surface area for adsorption. Finally, coke derived from bituminous coal is classified under the same heading 2704.00 but may be distinguished at the regional subheading level (e.g., 2704.00.19) depending on the specific national tariff schedule.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270400 (the code used for lignite coke), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270400 (the code used for lignite coke) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% 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 270400, not only lignite coke.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $1.7B 24% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $1.4B 20% of world exports
- 3 China $1.3B 19% of world exports
World total: $7.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $999M 14% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $748M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $605M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $7.4B 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 codes for lignite coke
Brazil splits HS 2704.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2704.00.11Coke, particle size of 80 mm or more
- 2704.00.12Coke, particle size under 80 mm
- 2704.00.90Semi-coke and retort carbon
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lignite coke
What is the HS code for Lignite coke?
The HS code for Lignite coke is 270400 (Coke and semi-coke; of coal, lignite or peat, whether or not agglomerated; retort carbon). The primary HS code for lignite coke is 2704.00, which covers coke and semi-coke of coal, lignite, or peat.
How do I classify Lignite coke for customs?
Lignite coke is classified under HS code 270400 — Coke and semi-coke; of coal, lignite or peat, whether or not agglomerated; retort carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is semi-coke classified differently than fully carbonized coke?
No, both coke and semi-coke derived from lignite are grouped together under HS code 2704.00 as they are both products of the distillation of mineral fuels.
Which countries are the top exporters of lignite coke (HS 270400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270400 (the code used for lignite coke) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($1.7B, 24% of world exports), Indonesia ($1.4B) and China ($1.3B). World exports came to about $7.1B, 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 coke (HS 270400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270400 (the code used for lignite coke) in UN Comtrade data were India ($999M, 14% of world imports), Brazil ($748M) and Germany ($605M). World imports came to about $7.4B, 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 coke the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270400 for Lignite coke 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 coke in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 270400 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for lignite coke depends on the product's details: 2704.00.11 (Coke, particle size of 80 mm or more), 2704.00.12 (Coke, particle size under 80 mm), 2704.00.90 (Semi-coke and retort carbon).