Product classification

HS code for Nut shell charcoal: 4402.20

Wood, charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated.

Classification of nut shell charcoal under HS 4402.20

HS code 4402.20 is designated for wood charcoal obtained from shell or nut, whether or not agglomerated. This classification sits within Chapter 44, which covers wood and articles of wood. Heading 4402 specifically addresses wood charcoal, which is produced by the carbonization of wood or other vegetable matter in the absence of air. Subheading 4402.20 was created to distinguish high-density charcoal derived from shells (like coconut or walnut) from standard wood charcoal (4402.90). This distinction is important because shell-based charcoal often has different industrial applications, such as serving as a precursor for high-quality activated carbon or as a specialized fuel for hookah and grilling. The classification applies regardless of whether the charcoal is in its natural broken state or has been compressed into briquettes (agglomerated). The key factor for this code is the raw material source—specifically nuts or shells—rather than the final shape of the product.

Covers
  • Coconut shell charcoal
  • Walnut shell charcoal
  • Macadamia nut shell charcoal
  • Palm kernel shell charcoal
  • Agglomerated nut shell briquettes
  • Unactivated shell-based carbon
Also under 4402.20
  • Jacobi Carbons (activated carbon)
  • Calgon Carbon (activated carbon)
  • Kingsford (BBQ charcoal, some varieties)
  • Coco Nara (hookah charcoal)

Codes often confused with 4402.20

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3802.10, which covers activated carbon. While nut shell charcoal is the primary raw material for activated carbon, it only moves to Chapter 38 once it has undergone an activation process (chemical or steam treatment) to increase its porosity. Raw or carbonized nut shells that have not been activated must remain in 4402.20. Another confusion arises with 4402.90, which is for charcoal made from wood logs or branches. If the charcoal is a blend, the predominant material determines the code.

3802.10Carbon; activated4402.90Wood; charcoal of wood other than bamboo, nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated

Top exporters and importers of HS 440220 (the code used for nut shell charcoal), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440220 (the code used for nut shell charcoal) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 440220, not only nut shell charcoal.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Indonesia $281M
  2. 2 Philippines $122M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$14M

World total: $466M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $103M
  2. 2 Iraq* ~$54M
  3. 3 Lebanon* ~$29M

World total: $380M 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 nut shell charcoal

Brazil classifies nut shell charcoal under NCM 4402.20.00: HS 4402.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about nut shell charcoal

What is the HS code for Nut shell charcoal?

The HS code for Nut shell charcoal is 440220 (Wood; charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated). The specific HS code for charcoal derived from shells or nuts is 4402.20.

How do I classify Nut shell charcoal for customs?

Nut shell charcoal is classified under HS code 440220 — Wood; charcoal of nut or shell, whether or not agglomerated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is coconut charcoal for shisha classified here?

Yes, if the shisha charcoal is made from coconut shells and has not been activated, it is classified under 4402.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of nut shell charcoal (HS 440220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440220 (the code used for nut shell charcoal) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($281M, 60% of world exports), the Philippines ($122M) and Vietnam (about $14M). World exports came to about $466M, 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 nut shell charcoal (HS 440220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 440220 (the code used for nut shell charcoal) in UN Comtrade data were China ($103M, 27% of world imports), Iraq (about $54M) and Lebanon (about $29M). World imports came to about $380M, 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 Nut shell charcoal the same in all countries?

The base HS code 440220 for Nut shell charcoal 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 nut shell charcoal in Brazil?

In Brazil, nut shell charcoal (HS 440220) is classified under NCM 4402.20.00.