Product classification
HS code for Subbituminous coal: 2701.19
Coal, (other than anthracite and bituminous), whether or not pulverised but not agglomerated.
Classification of subbituminous coal under HS 2701.19
Subbituminous coal is classified under HS code 2701.19, which covers coal that is neither anthracite nor bituminous. The Harmonized System distinguishes between types of coal based on their volatile matter content and their calorific value on a fuel-ash-free basis. Subbituminous coal typically has a lower heating value than bituminous coal but higher than lignite. Under the Chapter 27 notes, bituminous coal is defined by specific limits on its gross calorific value (equal to or greater than 5,833 kcal/kg or 24,000 kJ/kg) and its volatile matter. Subbituminous coal falls below these thresholds but remains distinct from lignite (Chapter 2702) due to its physical properties and carbonization level. The 'not agglomerated' requirement in 2701.19 means the coal is in its natural state, whether as large chunks or pulverized dust, but has not been pressed into briquettes or similar shapes using a binder. This classification is vital for energy statistics and trade regulations, as the environmental and energy profiles of subbituminous coal differ significantly from higher-rank coals. It is often used in power plants due to its lower sulfur content compared to some bituminous coals, despite its higher moisture content. Accurate classification requires laboratory analysis of the coal's thermal energy output to ensure it does not meet the technical definition of bituminous coal.
- Covers
- Non-agglomerated subbituminous coal
- Black lignite (subbituminous rank)
- Pulverized subbituminous coal
- Run-of-mine subbituminous coal
- Low-rank steam coal
- 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. Subbituminous coal is most frequently misclassified as 2701.12 (Bituminous coal) because the physical appearance is similar. However, 2701.12 requires a higher calorific value. It is also sometimes confused with 2702.10 (Lignite), but lignite is generally softer, has a higher moisture content, and a lower carbon rank than subbituminous coal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270119 (the code used for subbituminous coal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270119 (the code used for subbituminous 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 subbituminous 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 subbituminous coal
Brazil classifies subbituminous 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 subbituminous coal
What is the HS code for Subbituminous coal?
The HS code for Subbituminous coal is 270119 (Coal; (other than anthracite and bituminous), whether or not pulverised but not agglomerated). The HS code for subbituminous coal, provided it is not agglomerated, is 2701.19.
How do I classify Subbituminous coal for customs?
Subbituminous 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 subbituminous coal the same as anthracite?
No, anthracite is a high-rank coal with a very low volatile matter content and is classified under HS code 2701.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of subbituminous coal (HS 270119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270119 (the code used for subbituminous 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 subbituminous coal (HS 270119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270119 (the code used for subbituminous 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 Subbituminous coal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270119 for Subbituminous 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 subbituminous coal in Brazil?
In Brazil, subbituminous coal (HS 270119) is classified under NCM 2701.19.00.