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27

Tariff Chapter 27

Lignite, whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet

What does heading 2702 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 2702 covers lignite (brown coal), whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet. Lignite is a fossil fuel with lower calorific value than hard coal, used mainly in power plants. The heading covers crude, dried and briquetted lignite. Import of lignite into the EU is subject to a 0% duty rate. Lignite is subject to CBAM regulations. Jet (a variety of lignite used in jewellery) is excluded from this heading. Heading 2702 is part of Chapter 27 (mineral products, ores and fuels) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 2702 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 2702 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 2702

Heading 2702 covers lignite (brown coal), whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet. Import of lignite into the EU is subject to a 0% duty rate. Check whether the goods are subject to EU sanctions on imports from Russia. Coal and coke are subject to the CBAM mechanism - CO2 emission reporting is required. The duty rate is 0%, but correct subheading classification requires composition analysis. A declaration of origin is required when importing solid fuels. When importing goods under heading 2702 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 2702 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 2702 are subject to quality and environmental compliance controls. Required documentation includes: chemical composition analysis certificates, REACH documentation, fuel trading permits. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 2702 - key considerations

Heading 2702 covers brown coal (lignite). Key classification factors are the degree of processing, composition and intended use of the product. CN subheadings divide goods in detail. Common mistake: węgiel kamienny - 2701. The boundary with neighbouring headings (2701/2703) depends on the preservation or processing method. Section and chapter notes must be considered as they define the precise scope of each heading.

Frequently asked questions

What is the customs duty rate on lignite - brown coal (heading 2702)?
Imports of lignite (brown coal) into the EU are subject to a 0% customs duty rate, whether or not agglomerated. Heading 2702 covers crude, dried and briquetted lignite. Notably, jet (a variety of lignite used in jewellery) is excluded from this heading. Lignite is subject to CBAM regulations concerning CO2 emissions, requiring importers to report greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of the imported fuel as part of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and regulations govern lignite imports into the EU?
Lignite imports require standard customs documentation: SAD, commercial invoice, transport document and certificate of origin. Lignite is subject to CBAM regulations, requiring CO2 emissions reporting related to its extraction and processing. No special sanitary or phytosanitary certificates are needed as lignite is a mineral product for energy use. For briquetted lignite, additional documentation regarding the composition of binding agents used in the briquetting process may be required by customs authorities. This applies to goods classified under heading 2702 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What are the practical considerations for importing lignite?
Lignite imports are relatively uncommon due to its low calorific value compared to hard coal, making long-distance transport economically unviable. Lignite has high moisture content (30-60%), increasing transport costs per unit of energy. Its primary use is in power plants located near open-cast mines. Importing lignite briquettes is more commercially justifiable. Protection from moisture during transport and storage is essential. Bulk handling infrastructure at receiving ports must accommodate the material's characteristics. This applies to goods classified under heading 2702 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.