Product classification
HS code for Pitch coke: 2708.20
Pitch coke, obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars.
Classification of pitch coke under HS 2708.20
Pitch coke is classified under HS code 2708.20 because it is a solid carbonaceous residue obtained through the carbonization of high-temperature coal tar pitch or other mineral tars. This classification falls within Chapter 27, which encompasses mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Specifically, heading 2708 covers pitch and pitch coke obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. The production process involves the thermal decomposition of pitch in a coke oven, where volatile components are removed at temperatures often exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. The resulting material is characterized by its high carbon content, low ash, and low sulfur levels, making it distinct from standard coal coke. It is primarily utilized in the metallurgical industry for the production of carbon electrodes, particularly for aluminum smelting and steel manufacturing. The classification is determined by the source material (tar pitch) rather than the final application, ensuring that it is distinguished from petroleum-based residues or standard coal-based coke.
- Covers
- High-purity pitch coke
- Coal tar pitch coke
- Needle pitch coke for electrode manufacturing
- Carbonized mineral tar residues
- Calcined pitch coke
- Also under 2708.20
- Rain Carbon Pitch Coke
- Koppers Pitch Coke
- GrafTech Pitch Coke
Codes often confused with 2708.20
Common mistake. Pitch coke is frequently confused with petroleum coke, which is classified under HS code 2713.11 (non-calcined) or 2713.12 (calcined). While both are carbon residues, petroleum coke is derived from the refining of crude oil, whereas pitch coke (2708.20) is derived from coal tar or mineral tars. Additionally, it may be confused with standard coke and semi-coke of coal, lignite, or peat, which are classified under HS code 2704.00. The primary distinction lies in the specific chemical precursor; 2708.20 is reserved for products originating from the distillation of tar pitch.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270820 (the code used for pitch coke), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270820 (the code used for pitch coke) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% 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 270820, not only pitch coke.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $39M 49% of world exports
- 2 Japan $25M 32% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $8.0M 10% of world exports
World total: $79M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $60M 49% of world imports
- 2 Mozambique $26M 21% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $8.2M 6.8% 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: $122M 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 pitch coke
Brazil classifies pitch coke under NCM 2708.20.00: HS 2708.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pitch coke
What is the HS code for Pitch coke?
The HS code for Pitch coke is 270820 (Pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars). The HS code for pitch coke obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars is 2708.20.
How do I classify Pitch coke for customs?
Pitch coke is classified under HS code 270820 — Pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does pitch coke differ from petroleum coke in classification?
Pitch coke (2708.20) is produced from coal tar pitch, while petroleum coke (2713) is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. They are classified in different headings based on their chemical origin.
Which countries are the top exporters of pitch coke (HS 270820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270820 (the code used for pitch coke) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($39M, 49% of world exports), Japan ($25M) and the Netherlands ($8.0M). World exports came to about $79M, 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 pitch coke (HS 270820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270820 (the code used for pitch coke) in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 49% of world imports), Mozambique ($26M) and South Korea ($8.2M). World imports came to about $122M, 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 Pitch coke the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270820 for Pitch 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 pitch coke in Brazil?
In Brazil, pitch coke (HS 270820) is classified under NCM 2708.20.00.