HS 271312 Calcined
Quick Answer: HS code 271312 covers calcined petroleum coke, a carbonaceous solid derived from crude oil refining. Calcination is a high-temperature thermal treatment that removes moisture and volatile matter, enhancing its purity and electrical conductivity. This product is primarily used in the aluminum and steel industries as an anode material and in the production of titanium dioxide. Importers and exporters should note the significant divergence in duty rates. The UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty, reflecting a generally free trade approach for this commodity. In contrast, the US imposes a 4.5% ad valorem duty, with a "Free" rate potentially available under specific trade agreements or programs. Customs brokers must verify eligibility for preferential treatment to optimize landed costs. Understanding the origin and end-use is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2713120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2713120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2713120000 | 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 271312 cover?
This subheading covers petroleum coke that has undergone a calcination process. Calcined petroleum coke is produced by heating green petroleum coke to high temperatures (typically 1200-1350°C) in a rotary kiln or shaft furnace, removing residual volatile matter and moisture, and densifying the material. This process significantly reduces sulfur content, increases electrical conductivity, and improves mechanical strength, making it suitable for specific industrial applications. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2713, this subheading specifically targets the calcined form, distinguishing it from uncalcined (green) petroleum coke. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC align with this WCO interpretation, focusing on the post-calcination state.
What falls outside HS 271312?
The following products are excluded from HS 271312: uncalcined petroleum coke, often referred to as "green coke," which is classified under HS 271311. Green coke has not undergone the high-temperature treatment necessary to remove volatiles and densify the material, and thus retains higher sulfur and volatile matter content, making it unsuitable for applications requiring calcined coke's properties. Furthermore, other residues of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals, such as petroleum bitumen (HS 271320) or other residues (HS 271390), are also excluded as they represent different chemical compositions and processing stages. Petroleum coke that has been further processed beyond simple calcination, for instance, into specific carbon anodes, might also be classified elsewhere depending on its form and intended use, moving beyond the scope of a bulk calcined material.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 271312?
A common error is misclassifying green (uncalcined) petroleum coke under HS 271312, or vice-versa. Importers sometimes fail to distinguish between the two forms, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential penalties. Green coke, which is not calcined, belongs to HS 271311. The distinction is crucial because calcination is a significant industrial process that fundamentally alters the physical and chemical properties of the coke, making it suitable for different end-uses. Another mistake involves classifying other carbonaceous materials, such as coal coke (HS 270400) or pitch coke (HS 270800), as petroleum coke. Proper classification relies on understanding the origin and processing of the material, adhering strictly to the product descriptions provided in the WCO HS Nomenclature and applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 271312?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 271312 involves several steps. First, importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed petroleum coke and not another type of carbonaceous material. Second, it is essential to confirm that the petroleum coke has undergone the calcination process. This can often be determined by reviewing supplier specifications, certificates of analysis, or production process descriptions, which typically indicate volatile matter content, sulfur levels, and density. Calcined petroleum coke will have significantly lower volatile matter and higher density compared to green coke. Importers should request documentation from their suppliers explicitly stating the product's calcined status. Finally, cross-reference the product description with the official text of HS 271312 in the relevant national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to ensure alignment, thereby ensuring accurate declaration and compliance with customs regulations.
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FAQ
What is the import duty rate for HS 2713.12 ('Calcined') in key markets, and are there any preferential rates available?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 2713.12 'Petroleum coke, not calcined' is generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major economies, including the United States (per USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Chapter 27, Heading 2713) and the European Union (per EU TARIC, Heading 2713). The UK Global Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate for this subheading. However, specific preferential trade agreements can further solidify this free trade status or provide additional benefits for originating goods. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Mexico or Canada classified under HS 2713.12 would also enter the U.S. duty-free, reinforcing the MFN rate. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their country of import and origin using the official tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'calcined' (2713.12) from 'not calcined' (2713.11) petroleum coke?
The distinction between 'calcined' (HS 2713.12) and 'not calcined' (HS 2713.11) petroleum coke is crucial for correct classification. 'Calcined' petroleum coke refers to coke that has undergone a high-temperature thermal treatment process (calcination) to remove residual volatile matter and moisture, increase its density, and improve its electrical conductivity. This process typically occurs at temperatures exceeding 1200°C. Key indicators for calcined petroleum coke include very low volatile matter content (typically less than 0.5% by weight), low sulfur content, and a specific electrical resistivity. Conversely, 'not calcined' petroleum coke (green coke) has higher volatile matter content and has not undergone this thermal upgrading. Importers should rely on laboratory analysis reports (e.g., ASTM standards) to confirm the volatile matter content and other physical/chemical properties to ensure accurate classification, referencing explanatory notes from the WCO Harmonized System.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or import restrictions for petroleum coke under HS 2713.12?
While HS 2713.12 'Petroleum coke, not calcined' generally does not face specific import restrictions in major markets, standard customs documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Depending on the country of origin and destination, additional environmental or safety certifications may be necessary, especially concerning sulfur content or other impurities, though these are more common for fuel-grade coke. Importers should consult the specific regulations of the importing country's customs authority (e.g., CBP in the U.S., HMRC in the UK) and any relevant environmental agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable import requirements and potential reporting obligations for bulk commodities.
How do trade agreements impact the import of petroleum coke classified under HS 2713.12?
For HS 2713.12, the impact of trade agreements is primarily to confirm or reinforce duty-free treatment, as the MFN rate is already 0.00% in many regions. Agreements like the USMCA, EU's various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), or the UK's trade agreements ensure that petroleum coke originating from partner countries continues to enter duty-free, provided it meets the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) outlined in the agreement. While the duty rate may not change, these agreements can offer benefits such as simplified customs procedures or provide a legal framework for trade stability. Importers should verify the origin of their goods and ensure they can provide a valid certificate or declaration of origin if requested by customs authorities to claim any preferential treatment, even if the duty rate is already zero.