HS 271311 Petroleum coke
Quick Answer: HS 271311 covers petroleum coke, specifically "not calcined" varieties. This product is a carbonaceous solid derived from oil refinery coker units, primarily used as a fuel or in the production of calcined petroleum coke for aluminum anodes. Importers and exporters will find that major jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union (EU TARIC), and the United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff), apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to goods classified under this subheading. This widespread duty-free treatment simplifies trade, making it a straightforward commodity from a tariff perspective. However, traders should remain aware of potential non-tariff barriers, such as environmental regulations or specific import licensing requirements, which may vary by destination.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2713110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2713110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2713110000 | Free | — | ["t"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 271311 cover?
This subheading covers calcined petroleum coke, which is a carbonaceous solid derived from oil refinery coker units. Specifically, HS 2713.11, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, refers to petroleum coke that has undergone a high-temperature thermal treatment process (calcination) to remove residual volatile matter and moisture, thereby increasing its carbon content and electrical conductivity. This calcined form is primarily used in the production of anodes for aluminum smelting and as a recarburizer in the steel industry, distinguishing it from green (uncalcined) petroleum coke.
What falls outside HS 271311?
The following products are excluded from HS 271311: uncalcined or "green" petroleum coke, which is classified under HS 2713.12. Green petroleum coke retains a higher percentage of volatile matter and moisture and has not undergone the calcination process, making it unsuitable for many applications requiring calcined coke. Furthermore, other carbon products such as pitch coke (derived from coal tar pitch, classified under HS 2708), retort carbon or artificial graphite (classified under HS 3801), and natural graphite (classified under HS 2504) are distinctly different in origin and processing, and therefore fall outside the scope of petroleum coke entirely, requiring careful differentiation based on their source material and manufacturing process.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 271311?
A common error is misclassifying green (uncalcined) petroleum coke as calcined petroleum coke, or vice versa. This mistake often arises from a lack of understanding regarding the specific processing steps and material properties that differentiate the two forms. Importers might incorrectly assume that any petroleum coke is classifiable under 2713.11 without verifying the calcination status. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, classification must be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. The distinction between "calcined" and "other" (uncalcined) in the subheadings of 2713.1 is crucial and directly impacts the correct classification, leading to potential duty discrepancies and compliance issues if overlooked.
How should importers classify products under HS 271311?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 271311 involves first confirming that the product is indeed petroleum coke and not another carbonaceous material, referencing Chapter 27 Notes. Next, importers and customs brokers must ascertain whether the petroleum coke has undergone the calcination process. This typically requires obtaining a certificate of analysis or a technical specification sheet from the supplier, clearly indicating the volatile matter content, ash content, and sulfur content, which are key indicators of calcination. If the product is confirmed as calcined petroleum coke, then HS 2713.11 is the appropriate classification. Always consult the latest version of the HTSUS (for the US), EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff for specific duty rates and any applicable trade agreements, ensuring the product description precisely matches the subheading's scope.
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FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2713.11 (Petroleum coke, not calcined) in major economies?
For HS code 2713.11, petroleum coke, not calcined, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are generally very low or free across major trading blocs. For example, the United States (USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule) applies a duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC) and the United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff) also apply a duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the current rates directly with the respective customs authorities or official tariff databases.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'not calcined' petroleum coke (2713.11) from 'calcined' petroleum coke (2713.12)?
The primary distinction for classification between HS 2713.11 (petroleum coke, not calcined) and HS 2713.12 (petroleum coke, calcined) lies in the thermal treatment it has undergone. 'Calcined' petroleum coke has been subjected to high temperatures (typically 1200-1350°C) in a rotary kiln to remove moisture, volatile matter, and impurities, resulting in a denser, more conductive material with a higher fixed carbon content. 'Not calcined' (or 'green') petroleum coke is the raw product directly from the coker unit, containing higher levels of volatiles, sulfur, and moisture. Customs authorities often rely on laboratory analysis and production process documentation to confirm the degree of calcination.
Are there any significant preferential duty rates or free trade agreements that impact the import of HS 2713.11?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2713.11 are already 0.00% ad valorem in many major economies, the impact of preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes is often negligible in terms of duty savings. For example, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EU FTAs, or the UK's various trade agreements, petroleum coke originating from partner countries would typically also enter duty-free. The primary benefit in such cases would be the confirmation of duty-free status and potentially simplified customs procedures, rather than a reduction from an existing duty. Importers should still ensure compliance with rules of origin to claim any preferential treatment, even if the MFN rate is zero.
What specific documentation is typically required for the customs clearance of petroleum coke under HS 2713.11?
For the customs clearance of petroleum coke (HS 2713.11), standard import documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. Additionally, importers may need to provide a Certificate of Origin, especially if claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement, even if the MFN rate is zero. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific end-use, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or product specification sheets might be requested to verify the 'not calcined' status and ensure compliance with environmental or safety standards. It is advisable to consult the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs authority.