Product classification
HS code for Steam coal: 2701.19
Coal, (other than anthracite and bituminous), whether or not pulverised but not agglomerated.
Classification of steam coal under HS 2701.19
Steam coal is classified under HS code 270119. This classification is determined by the guidelines set forth in Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Heading 2701 specifically covers coal, whether or not pulverized, but not agglomerated. The classification process begins by identifying the coal's physical and chemical properties. Steam coal, often referred to as thermal coal, is primarily used for heat and power generation. Under the HS nomenclature, coal is divided into anthracite, bituminous, and "other" coal. Anthracite (2701.11) is defined by a volatile matter limit not exceeding 14% on a dry, mineral-matter-free basis. Bituminous coal (2701.12) is defined as having a volatile matter limit exceeding 14% and a calorific value limit equal to or greater than 5,833 kcal/kg. Steam coal that does not meet the specific criteria for anthracite or bituminous coal—often sub-bituminous coal or other lower-grade coals—is classified under the residual subheading 2701.19. This classification applies to coal in its natural state or after it has been washed, crushed, or pulverized, provided it has not been agglomerated into shapes like briquettes or ovoids. The determination is strictly based on the technical specifications of the coal's energy content and chemical composition.
- Covers
- Sub-bituminous steam coal
- Thermal coal for industrial boilers
- Non-agglomerated pulverized steam coal
- Run-of-mine steam coal
- Washed steam coal fines
- Also under 2701.19
- RWE lignite
- various regional power plant fuels
- specific industrial boiler fuels
- German brown coal
Codes often confused with 2701.19
Common mistake. Steam coal is frequently misclassified under 270111 (Anthracite) or 270112 (Bituminous coal). The distinction is based on the dry, ash-free basis volatile matter and the moist, mineral-matter-free basis calorific value. If the coal has a calorific value exceeding 5,833 kcal/kg and a volatile matter limit above 14%, it must be classified as bituminous. Another common error involves 2702, which covers Lignite. Lignite is a lower-grade coal with higher moisture content and lower energy density. Furthermore, if the coal is agglomerated into briquettes, it must be moved to 270120.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270119 (the code used for steam coal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270119 (the code used for steam coal) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 58% 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 270119, not only steam coal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $18.5B 68% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$4.6B 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mozambique $1.7B 6.1% of world exports
World total: $27.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $26.2B 58% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $3.5B 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $2.5B 5.5% of world imports
World total: $45.3B 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 steam coal
Brazil classifies steam coal under NCM 2701.19.00: HS 2701.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steam coal
What is the HS code for Steam coal?
The HS code for Steam coal is 270119 (Coal; (other than anthracite and bituminous), whether or not pulverised but not agglomerated). The HS code for steam coal is 270119, which covers coal other than anthracite and bituminous that is not agglomerated.
How do I classify Steam coal for customs?
Steam coal is classified under HS code 270119 — Coal; (other than anthracite and bituminous), whether or not pulverised but not agglomerated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is pulverized coal classified differently?
No, pulverized steam coal remains under HS code 270119 as long as it has not been agglomerated into briquettes or similar forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of steam coal (HS 270119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270119 (the code used for steam coal) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($18.5B, 68% of world exports), Russia (about $4.6B) and Mozambique ($1.7B). World exports came to about $27.1B, 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 steam coal (HS 270119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270119 (the code used for steam coal) in UN Comtrade data were India ($26.2B, 58% of world imports), Malaysia ($3.5B) and the Philippines ($2.5B). World imports came to about $45.3B, 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 Steam coal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270119 for Steam coal 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 steam coal in Brazil?
In Brazil, steam coal (HS 270119) is classified under NCM 2701.19.00.