Product classification
HS code for Lignite: 2702.10
Lignite, whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated, excluding jet.
Classification of lignite under HS 2702.10
Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is classified under HS code 2702.10 when it is in its natural state, whether or not it has been pulverized, provided it has not been agglomerated. Lignite is a low-rank coal characterized by a high moisture content and a relatively low carbon content compared to bituminous coal or anthracite. The classification under 2702.10 is restricted to non-agglomerated forms, meaning the lignite has not been compressed into briquettes, balls, or similar shapes using a binder. The distinction between lignite and other types of coal is based on its physical and chemical properties, specifically its calorific value and volatile matter content. For customs purposes, the absence of "agglomeration" is the deciding factor between subheadings 2702.10 and 2702.20. Pulverized lignite, which is lignite ground into a fine powder for use in specialized furnaces, remains under 2702.10 because the powdering process does not constitute agglomeration. This classification is essential for energy statistics and environmental regulations, as lignite has a different carbon footprint and energy density than higher-grade coals found in heading 2701.
- Covers
- Raw brown coal
- Pulverized lignite (non-agglomerated)
- Lignite dust
- Crushed lignite
- Run-of-mine lignite
- Also under 2702.10
- German lignite (e.g., from RWE mines)
- Polish lignite
- Australian lignite
- Greek lignite
Codes often confused with 2702.10
Common mistake. Lignite is most commonly misclassified under 2701.12 (bituminous coal) or 2701.19 (other coal). The distinction is based on the heating value and carbon content; lignite has a lower calorific value. Another common error is using 2702.10 for lignite briquettes, which must be classified under 2702.20 because they are agglomerated.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270210 (the code used for lignite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270210 (the code used for lignite) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 94% of world imports. Türkiye reports $37.2B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 270210, not only lignite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $5.7B 85% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$448M 6.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mongolia* ~$135M 2.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $9.4B 94% of world imports
- 2 Serbia $237M 2.4% of world imports
- 3 Poland $72M 0.7% of world imports
Türkiye reports $37.2B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $10.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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
Brazil classifies lignite under NCM 2702.10.00: HS 2702.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lignite
What is the HS code for Lignite?
The HS code for Lignite is 270210 (Lignite; whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated, excluding jet). The HS code for non-agglomerated lignite, including pulverized lignite, is 2702.10.
How do I classify Lignite for customs?
Lignite is classified under HS code 270210 — Lignite; whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated, excluding jet. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does pulverized lignite require a different HS code?
No, as long as the pulverized lignite is not compressed into shapes (agglomerated), it remains under 2702.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of lignite (HS 270210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270210 (the code used for lignite) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($5.7B, 85% of world exports), Russia (about $448M) and Mongolia (about $135M). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 (HS 270210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270210 (the code used for lignite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.4B, 94% of world imports), Serbia ($237M) and Poland ($72M). World imports came to about $10.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Türkiye reports $37.2B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Lignite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270210 for Lignite 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, lignite (HS 270210) is classified under NCM 2702.10.00.