HS Code 2713: Petroleum Coke, Petroleum Bitumen & Other Petroleum Residues Classification Guide
A detailed customs classification guide to HS Code 2713 covering petroleum coke, non-calcined and calcined petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen, and other residues of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This guide explains the four international HS6 subheadings, the legal distinction between calcined and non-calcined petroleum coke, the boundary between petroleum bitumen and natural bitumen, and the classification risks involving waste oils, coal-tar pitch and pitch coke, bituminous mixtures, carbon products and finished asphalt articles.
HS Code 2713 covers three legally distinct groups: petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen, and other residues of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. Correct classification requires identifying which of those groups actually describes the goods before moving to the international HS6 level.
The four international six-digit subheadings are:
- 2713.11 — Petroleum coke, not calcined;
- 2713.12 — Petroleum coke, calcined;
- 2713.20 — Petroleum bitumen;
- 2713.90 — Other residues of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
These categories may appear straightforward, but several important classification boundaries can arise.
A black solid carbonaceous material may potentially require comparison with coal coke, pitch coke or other forms of carbon. A black viscous road material may require comparison between petroleum bitumen, natural bitumen and a prepared bituminous mixture. A refinery sludge may be a waste oil of heading 2710 rather than an “other residue” of 2713.
Where HS Code 2713 sits within Chapter 27
Heading 2713 is part of Chapter 27: mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes.
For the broader structure, see: HS Code Chapter 27 Classification Guide .
Several surrounding headings are particularly important:
- 2704 — coke and semi-coke of coal, lignite or peat; retort carbon;
- 2708 — pitch and pitch coke obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars;
- 2710 — petroleum oils, certain preparations and waste oils;
- 2712 — petroleum jelly and mineral waxes;
- 2713 — petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other petroleum residues;
- 2714 — natural bitumen and asphalt, bituminous or oil shale, tar sands, asphaltites and asphaltic rocks;
- 2715 — specified bituminous mixtures.
Similar appearance or industrial use does not make these headings interchangeable. The source and nature of the material are fundamental.
Legal text of heading 2713
HS 2022 describes heading 27.13 as:
Three elements should be separated during classification:
- petroleum coke;
- petroleum bitumen;
- other qualifying petroleum residues.
They share a connection with petroleum processing, but they are not one interchangeable category.
Petroleum coke has two HS6 outcomes
Once the goods are legally established as petroleum coke, the international subheading distinction is based on one specific question:
Has the petroleum coke been calcined?
The HS legal text does not create separate international subheadings for fuel grade, anode grade, sponge coke, shot coke or needle coke.
Petroleum bitumen has its own HS6 provision
Petroleum bitumen is specifically provided for under 2713.20.
The word “petroleum” is important. Natural bitumen and natural asphalt are expressly addressed in heading 2714, while prepared bituminous mixtures may fall under heading 2715.
2713.90 is a residual subheading inside heading 2713
2713.90 does not mean “any refinery waste or residue”.
The material must first satisfy heading 2713. Waste oils specifically defined by Chapter 27 Note 3 remain a major competing category under heading 2710.
International HS6 structure of heading 2713
Petroleum coke that has not undergone calcination.
Petroleum coke that has undergone the calcining stage.
The specific international HS6 provision for petroleum bitumen.
The residual international HS6 provision within heading 2713.
The international wording of 2713.11 and 2713.12 does not prescribe a universal sulphur, carbon, moisture, ash or volatile-matter percentage that automatically separates the two subheadings. The legal distinction is whether the petroleum coke is calcined or not calcined. Technical test results support that factual determination.
Correct legal classification sequence for HS 2713
Question 1 — What is the material actually made from?
Determine whether the material originates from:
- petroleum oils;
- oils obtained from bituminous minerals;
- coal;
- lignite;
- peat;
- coal tar or another mineral tar;
- natural bitumen or natural asphalt;
- or another source.
This source distinction can change the heading completely.
Question 2 — What process produced the material?
For petroleum coke, identify the refinery coking process and whether a subsequent calcining step occurred.
For bituminous materials, determine whether the goods are:
- a petroleum-refining product;
- a naturally occurring bituminous material;
- or a prepared mixture made by combining bitumen with other materials.
Question 3 — Does heading 2713 describe the goods under GRI 1?
Apply the heading terms and relevant legal Notes first.
Do not start with the commercial use or a supplier's suggested HS code.
Question 4 — If petroleum coke, is it calcined?
If it is petroleum coke, determine whether it is:
- not calcined — 2713.11; or
- calcined — 2713.12.
Question 5 — If bituminous material, is it petroleum bitumen itself or a mixture?
This is the critical boundary between:
- 2713.20 — petroleum bitumen;
- 2714 — natural bitumen and asphalt;
- 2715 — specified bituminous mixtures.
Question 6 — If described as a residue, is it actually a waste oil under 2710?
Chapter 27 contains a specific legal definition of waste oils. This must be checked before using the residual subheading 2713.90.
Question 7 — Apply GRI 6 only after heading 2713 is established
At the subheading level, compare only subheadings at the same level.
The correct sequence is therefore:
Heading 2713 first → then 2713.11 / 2713.12 / 2713.20 / 2713.90.
Understanding petroleum coke for HS classification
Petroleum coke is a carbon-rich material associated with the thermal processing of heavy petroleum streams and refinery residues.
Commercial petroleum coke may be supplied for fuel, metallurgical or carbon-industry applications, but end use does not create the HS6 classification.
Common commercial descriptions may include:
- Green Petroleum Coke — GPC;
- Calcined Petroleum Coke — CPC;
- Fuel Grade Petcoke;
- Anode Grade Coke;
- Needle Coke;
- Sponge Coke;
- Shot Coke.
Under HS 2022, the international petroleum-coke split under 2713 is legally between not calcined and calcined.
Why feedstock source matters
The word “coke” alone is insufficient.
Depending on the source, apparently similar carbonaceous materials can fall under:
- 2704 for coke or semi-coke of coal, lignite or peat;
- 2708 for pitch coke obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars;
- 2713 for petroleum coke;
- 2803 for carbon black or other forms of carbon not elsewhere specified or included.
Therefore, a correct product description should identify the original feedstock and manufacturing route.
2713.11 — Petroleum coke, not calcined
Subheading 2713.11 covers petroleum coke that has not been calcined.
The commercial term Green Petroleum Coke is commonly used for petroleum coke before the calcining stage.
However, “green coke” should be treated as technical evidence, not as a substitute for confirming the actual processing history.
Useful evidence for 2713.11
- refinery process description;
- coker unit information;
- supplier declaration confirming no calcination;
- TDS;
- SDS;
- Certificate of Analysis;
- volatile matter;
- moisture;
- sulphur;
- ash;
- fixed carbon;
- bulk density;
- commercial grade;
- and intended industrial application.
These properties can help establish the factual identity of the goods. They do not replace the legal language of the subheading.
Fuel grade does not create a different HS6 code
Petroleum coke marketed as fuel grade may still be 2713.11 if it is petroleum coke and has not been calcined.
The use as industrial fuel does not, by itself, change the international HS6 classification.
2713.12 — Petroleum coke, calcined
Subheading 2713.12 covers calcined petroleum coke.
Calcination is an additional high-temperature processing stage applied to petroleum coke, generally reducing remaining volatile matter and changing properties relevant to carbon and metallurgical applications.
For customs purposes, the critical question is whether that calcining process has actually occurred before importation.
Important supporting evidence
- calciner production certificate;
- manufacturing flow chart;
- supplier declaration;
- CoA;
- volatile matter;
- real density;
- fixed carbon;
- sulphur;
- ash;
- moisture;
- electrical resistivity where relevant;
- and grade specifications.
Anode grade petroleum coke
“Anode grade” is a commercial or technical grade description.
It does not itself create an international HS6 code.
An anode-grade petroleum coke shipment must still be evaluated as calcined or not calcined in the condition imported.
Needle coke, sponge coke and shot coke
These terms describe commercial forms, structures or quality categories.
They may be technically important, but the HS6 classification under heading 2713 still requires the calcination question.
2713.20 — Petroleum bitumen
2713.20 is the dedicated international HS6 subheading for petroleum bitumen.
Petroleum bitumen is associated with petroleum processing and is typically a dark, highly viscous, semi-solid or solid bituminous material.
Its classification should not be based solely on terms such as:
- Asphalt;
- Bitumen;
- Paving Grade;
- Penetration Grade;
- Road Bitumen;
- Blown Bitumen;
- Oxidized Bitumen;
- Industrial Bitumen.
The origin, production process, composition and condition of the imported product must be established.
Penetration or paving grades
Commercial specifications such as penetration grade can provide useful technical evidence that the goods are petroleum bitumen.
However, grade designations themselves are not separate international HS6 subheadings.
Oxidized or blown bitumen
Air blowing or oxidation may be part of the manufacturing treatment of petroleum bitumen.
The fact that bitumen has been oxidized does not, by itself, prove that it has become a prepared bituminous mixture.
The relevant question remains whether the imported material is still petroleum bitumen or whether additional materials and preparation have created goods described more specifically elsewhere.
Important laboratory and technical information
Depending on the product, useful evidence may include:
- penetration value;
- softening point;
- density;
- viscosity;
- flash point;
- ductility;
- solubility;
- production method;
- petroleum origin;
- additive content;
- TDS;
- SDS;
- and CoA.
National or regional explanatory material may use analytical characteristics to distinguish petroleum bitumen from nearby petroleum products. Those analytical criteria are useful technical guidance, but they should not be presented as if they were additional universal six-digit conditions written directly into the HS legal text.
2713.20 versus 2714 — petroleum bitumen versus natural bitumen
This distinction is fundamental.
Heading 2713 specifically provides for petroleum bitumen.
Heading 2714 separately covers:
- natural bitumen;
- natural asphalt;
- bituminous or oil shale;
- tar sands;
- asphaltites;
- asphaltic rocks.
Therefore:
A natural bituminous material should not be classified as petroleum bitumen simply because both materials are black, viscous or used in paving.
Evidence for this boundary
- certificate of origin of the material;
- mine or refinery source;
- production process;
- geological description;
- technical specification;
- composition;
- supplier manufacturing statement.
2713.20 versus 2715 — petroleum bitumen versus bituminous mixtures
Heading 2715 covers: bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, natural bitumen, petroleum bitumen, mineral tar or mineral tar pitch.
The legal heading itself gives examples such as:
- bituminous mastics;
- cut-backs.
This means that petroleum bitumen used as an ingredient does not automatically make the finished mixture 2713.20.
Examples requiring 2715 analysis
- bitumen deliberately blended with solvent to make a cut-back;
- bituminous mastic containing fillers;
- prepared waterproofing compounds based on bitumen;
- some bituminous emulsions;
- other prepared bituminous mixtures.
Obtain the complete formulation. A processing treatment applied to petroleum bitumen and a formulated mixture containing petroleum bitumen are not necessarily the same classification case.
2713.90 — Other residues of petroleum oils
Subheading 2713.90 covers other residues of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals, after petroleum coke and petroleum bitumen are excluded.
This subheading is often more difficult than the first three because the word “residue” can be used very broadly in industrial documentation.
First establish that the product is legally a residue of the type described by heading 2713. In particular, Chapter 27 contains a separate legal definition of waste oils under heading 2710.
Aromatic extracts and heavy refinery residues
Certain refinery aromatic extracts and related heavy residual streams can fall within the other-residue category, depending on their actual characteristics.
In complex cases, technical evidence may require:
- aromatic versus non-aromatic constituent data;
- density;
- distillation behaviour;
- viscosity;
- source refinery process;
- solvent-extraction information;
- and complete compositional information.
Some regional explanatory materials provide analytical characteristics for specific aromatic extracts. Those criteria can be useful evidence in the relevant jurisdiction, but they should not be converted into universal HS6 rules.
Critical classification boundaries for HS 2713
| Competing heading | Main legal question | Evidence to review |
|---|---|---|
| 2704 | Is the coke derived from coal, lignite or peat rather than petroleum? | Feedstock, coke-production process, supplier declaration, technical specification. |
| 2708 | Is the material pitch or pitch coke obtained from coal tar or another mineral tar? | Tar source, process flow, feedstock and composition. |
| 2710 | Is the material still a petroleum oil, preparation or legally defined waste oil rather than a 2713 residue? | Oil content, physical state, source, waste history, water content, sludge composition, Chapter 27 Note 3. |
| 2714 | Is the bituminous material naturally occurring rather than petroleum bitumen? | Geological or refinery origin, production method, composition. |
| 2715 | Is petroleum bitumen present as part of a prepared bituminous mixture? | Full formulation, solvents, water, fillers, polymers, additives and product function. |
| 2803 | Is the imported product petroleum coke/residue or has it become carbon black or another form of carbon? | Manufacturing stage, product identity, particle properties, process records and specification. |
| 3817 | Are goods mixed alkylbenzenes or mixed alkylnaphthalenes rather than qualifying refinery aromatic residues? | Composition, aromatic profile, chemical identity and analytical data. |
| 6807 | Has bitumen been manufactured into an article of asphalt or similar material? | Imported form, roll/sheet/article construction, reinforcement and finished-product status. |
2713 versus 2704 — petroleum coke versus coal coke
Heading 2704 covers coke and semi-coke of:
- coal;
- lignite;
- peat;
- as well as retort carbon.
Heading 2713 instead specifically covers petroleum coke.
A commercial description such as “industrial coke” does not resolve this distinction.
The original feedstock and process are essential.
2713 versus 2708 — petroleum coke versus pitch coke
Heading 2708 covers pitch and pitch coke obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars.
Heading 2713 covers petroleum coke and petroleum bitumen.
This is a source-based legal distinction.
Petroleum refining and coal-tar processing can produce dark, carbon-rich materials with superficially similar appearances, but the HS headings distinguish them by identity and source.
2713 versus 2710 — refinery residue versus waste oil
This is one of the most important boundaries in the article.
Chapter 27 Note 3 defines “waste oils” for heading 2710 as waste containing mainly petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals, whether or not mixed with water.
The Note expressly includes examples such as:
- used lubricating oils;
- used hydraulic oils;
- used transformer oils;
- sludge oils from petroleum-oil storage tanks that mainly contain those oils and high concentrations of additives;
- oil-in-water emulsions or mixtures with water resulting from spills, tank washings or machining operations.
If the material satisfies the legal waste-oil definition of Chapter 27 Note 3, heading 2710 must be considered directly.
2713 versus 2803 — petroleum coke or carbon?
Heading 2803 covers: carbon, including carbon blacks and other forms of carbon not elsewhere specified or included.
Petroleum origin alone does not mean every carbon product remains in 2713.
Conversely, petroleum coke does not become carbon black merely because it has high carbon content or a black powdered appearance.
Determine the actual imported product and manufacturing stage.
2713 versus 6807 — bulk bitumen versus finished asphalt articles
Heading 6807 covers articles of asphalt or similar material, expressly giving petroleum bitumen and coal tar pitch as examples of the underlying materials.
Therefore a finished roofing roll, sheet or other manufactured asphalt article should not be classified as bulk petroleum bitumen merely because bitumen is its binder.
Technical evidence for classifying HS Code 2713
| Technical information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Exact technical product name | Distinguishes petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen, natural bitumen, waste oils, pitch coke and other residues. |
| Feedstock origin | Separates petroleum-derived goods from coal-, tar- or naturally derived materials. |
| Manufacturing process | Critical for coking, calcination, refinery residue and bitumen analysis. |
| Calcination status | Directly determines the split between 2713.11 and 2713.12 for petroleum coke. |
| Process certificate | Strong evidence that a calcining operation did or did not occur. |
| Fixed carbon | Supports petroleum coke characterization but is not a stand-alone HS legal threshold. |
| Volatile matter | Useful for distinguishing processing condition and supporting calcination evidence. |
| Sulphur | Important commercial and regulatory property of petroleum coke, but not a separate international HS6 split. |
| Ash | Supports grade and technical identity. |
| Moisture | Useful in assessing petroleum coke condition and shipment specification. |
| Real / bulk density | Can support coke or bitumen technical analysis depending on the product. |
| Penetration value | Important supporting property for petroleum bitumen grades. |
| Softening point | Helps identify bitumen grade and processing state. |
| Viscosity | Useful in distinguishing petroleum bitumen, heavy oils and prepared mixtures. |
| Distillation behaviour | Can be important in complex boundaries involving heavy petroleum streams and aromatic residues. |
| Aromatic composition | May be relevant when evaluating aromatic refinery extracts and nearby chemical or petroleum headings. |
| Additives / solvents | Critical when distinguishing petroleum bitumen from a prepared mixture under 2715. |
| Water content | Important for waste oils, emulsions and bituminous formulations. |
| TDS | Supports product identity, grade and physical properties. |
| SDS | Useful technical evidence, but not a binding customs classification rule. |
| CoA | Provides shipment- or batch-specific analytical evidence. |
| Product form at import | Distinguishes bulk material from prepared mixtures or finished asphalt articles. |
A TDS, SDS, CoA or supplier HS code may establish facts, but classification still follows the heading terms, legal Notes and General Rules for Interpretation.
Step-by-step HS 2713 classification process
Identify the exact material
Determine whether the goods are petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen or another refinery residue.
Confirm the source
Establish whether the material comes from petroleum, bituminous minerals, coal, mineral tar or a natural geological deposit.
Document the manufacturing process
Obtain the refinery process, coking route, calcining information, bitumen production method or residue-generation process.
Apply GRI 1
Start with the heading text and Chapter 27 legal Notes.
For coke, exclude 2704 and 2708 where relevant
Confirm that the product is petroleum coke, not coal/lignite/peat coke or pitch coke from mineral tar.
Determine whether petroleum coke has been calcined
This is the key HS6 split between 2713.11 and 2713.12.
Do not classify by commercial coke grade alone
Fuel grade, anode grade, needle coke, sponge coke and shot coke do not replace the legal calcination test.
For bituminous material, confirm petroleum origin
Distinguish petroleum bitumen from natural bitumen and natural asphalt of 2714.
Check whether the bitumen has become a prepared mixture
Review solvents, fillers, water, polymers and other additions against heading 2715.
For residues, test the waste-oil definition first
Use Chapter 27 Note 3 before assuming 2713.90.
Check carbon-product boundaries where relevant
Distinguish petroleum coke or residue from finished carbon black or another product of heading 2803.
Check whether the imported product is already an article
Finished asphalt rolls or similar articles may require heading 6807.
Apply GRI 6
Once heading 2713 is established, compare the relevant HS6 subheadings at the same level.
Document rejected competing headings
Explain why realistic alternatives such as 2704, 2708, 2710, 2714, 2715, 2803 or 6807 do not apply.
Verify the destination tariff
Confirm the current detailed tariff code required in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait or Bahrain before declaration.
Need to classify petroleum coke, bitumen or refinery residues?
JAMAREK helps structure the classification analysis around product identity, source, refinery process, calcination status, technical evidence, competing headings and the destination tariff.
Practical HS Code 2713 classification scenarios
Scenario 1 — Green petroleum coke from a delayed coker
The supplier identifies the material as Green Petroleum Coke produced in a refinery coking unit, with no subsequent calcining step.
If the technical evidence confirms petroleum coke in a non-calcined state, 2713.11 is the relevant international HS6 subheading.
Scenario 2 — Calcined petroleum coke
Petroleum coke has undergone a separate calcining process before shipment.
2713.12 should be evaluated.
Scenario 3 — Fuel-grade green petroleum coke
The cargo is sold for combustion in an industrial facility and described commercially as fuel-grade petcoke.
Fuel use does not create a separate HS6 code.
If the goods are petroleum coke and remain not calcined, the relevant HS6 analysis is 2713.11.
Scenario 4 — Anode-grade calcined petroleum coke
The cargo is sold for anode manufacturing and documentation confirms prior calcination.
The commercial term “anode grade” does not replace the legal test.
The calcined condition points to 2713.12.
Scenario 5 — Needle coke before calcination
The supplier uses the commercial term “needle coke”, but manufacturing documents show no calcining stage.
Morphology or commercial grade alone does not create a different HS6 code.
If it is petroleum coke and is not calcined, analyze 2713.11.
Scenario 6 — Needle coke after calcination
The material is petroleum needle coke that has completed calcination before import.
Analyze 2713.12.
Scenario 7 — Coal coke mistakenly described as petcoke
The commercial documents say “industrial coke” but the technical file confirms the coke was produced from coal.
The petroleum-coke subheadings are not appropriate.
Heading 2704 must be analyzed.
Scenario 8 — Pitch coke from coal tar
The product is carbonaceous coke obtained from coal-tar pitch.
The correct comparison is with 2708, not petroleum coke under 2713 merely because the product resembles petcoke.
Scenario 9 — Straight petroleum paving bitumen
The imported material is petroleum-derived bitumen supplied in bulk for road construction without being a separate prepared bituminous mixture.
2713.20 should be evaluated.
Scenario 10 — Oxidized petroleum bitumen
Petroleum bitumen has undergone an air-blowing or oxidation process and remains a bitumen product rather than a formulation with separate added components.
Do not reject 2713.20 merely because the bitumen has been oxidized. Confirm the actual product identity and formulation.
Scenario 11 — Natural bitumen
The product is extracted as a naturally occurring bituminous material rather than produced as petroleum bitumen in a refinery.
Heading 2714 must be evaluated.
Scenario 12 — Tar sands
The imported material consists of tar sands or bituminous sands.
The relevant heading is 2714, not 2713.20.
Scenario 13 — Cut-back bitumen
Petroleum bitumen is deliberately blended with a solvent to create a cut-back material.
Heading 2715 expressly identifies cut-backs as an example of bituminous mixtures.
Scenario 14 — Bituminous mastic
Petroleum bitumen is combined with fillers and other materials to create a finished mastic.
Analyze 2715 rather than classifying solely from the petroleum bitumen component.
Scenario 15 — Bitumen emulsion
The goods are presented as a formulated bitumen-and-water emulsion with additional components.
Do not assume 2713.20. Examine whether the goods are a bituminous mixture described by 2715.
Scenario 16 — Used lubricating oil
The material is used lubricating oil no longer fit for its primary use.
Chapter 27 Note 3 specifically treats such material as waste oil for heading 2710.
Scenario 17 — Oil storage tank sludge
Tank sludge mainly contains petroleum oils together with a high concentration of additives from the original products.
Chapter 27 Note 3 expressly requires waste-oil analysis under 2710.
It should not be called 2713.90 merely because it is described as refinery sludge.
Scenario 18 — Tank washing oil-water mixture
Waste petroleum oils are present in a water mixture resulting from tank washing.
Chapter 27 Note 3 specifically includes qualifying oil-water mixtures within the waste-oil concept.
Analyze 2710.
Scenario 19 — Heavy aromatic refinery extract
The product is a heavy aromatic extract generated during petroleum processing.
Depending on its actual composition and properties, 2713.90 may require analysis.
Detailed laboratory data should be obtained, and nearby petroleum or chemical headings should be excluded.
Scenario 20 — Carbon black
The imported product is already manufactured carbon black, not petroleum coke or a refinery residue used as feedstock.
Heading 2803 should be examined.
Scenario 21 — Petroleum coke ground into fine particles
Petroleum coke has merely been crushed or ground but has not become a different carbon product.
Fine particle size alone does not prove classification under 2803.
Establish the actual identity and whether the material remains petroleum coke.
Scenario 22 — Asphalt roofing roll
Petroleum bitumen has been incorporated into a finished roofing roll.
The imported goods are no longer simply bulk petroleum bitumen.
Heading 6807 for articles of asphalt or similar material must be considered.
Scenario 23 — Supplier says only “Petroleum Residue”
This description is insufficient.
Obtain:
- the generating refinery unit;
- physical state;
- oil content;
- water content;
- composition;
- distillation behaviour;
- aromatic data;
- and intended commercial specification.
Then compare 2710, 2713 and any other realistic heading.
Scenario 24 — Supplier proposes 2713.90 because the product is “waste”
The word “waste” does not automatically mean 2713.90.
Chapter 27 provides a specific legal definition for waste oils under heading 2710.
Apply the legal definition before accepting the supplier's proposed code.
Common HS Code 2713 classification mistakes
1. Classifying every type of coke as petroleum coke
Coke may derive from petroleum, coal, lignite, peat or mineral tar.
2. Ignoring the feedstock
The source can determine whether 2704, 2708 or 2713 applies.
3. Treating “Green Coke” as a complete legal conclusion
Confirm that the goods are petroleum coke and that no calcination occurred.
4. Treating “CPC” on an invoice as enough evidence
Obtain processing evidence where classification risk is material.
5. Creating a sulphur threshold between 2713.11 and 2713.12
The HS6 legal split is calcined versus not calcined.
6. Creating a fixed-carbon threshold that is not in the HS text
Carbon data is supporting evidence, not the legal subheading wording.
7. Using end use to classify petroleum coke
Fuel use or anode use does not create separate international HS6 subheadings.
8. Treating needle coke as a separate HS6 code
Its calcination status must still be established.
9. Classifying natural bitumen as petroleum bitumen
Heading 2714 separately covers natural bitumen and asphalt.
10. Treating every black road material as 2713.20
It may be natural bitumen, a bituminous mixture or a finished article.
11. Ignoring solvents in cut-back bitumen
Heading 2715 expressly covers bituminous mixtures such as cut-backs.
12. Ignoring fillers in bituminous mastic
The imported preparation must be classified as a whole.
13. Assuming all polymer-modified or prepared bitumen remains 2713.20
Obtain the full formulation and analyze the 2715 boundary.
14. Assuming oxidized bitumen automatically leaves 2713
Processing alone does not prove that the product has become a separate mixture.
15. Sending every refinery sludge to 2713.90
Chapter 27 Note 3 may classify oil-dominant sludge as waste oil under 2710.
16. Ignoring water in waste-oil analysis
The legal waste-oil definition can include oils mixed with water.
17. Classifying used lubricating oil as 2713.90
Used lubricating oils are specifically identified in Chapter 27 Note 3.
18. Assuming a high-carbon product is automatically 2803
Petroleum coke is specifically provided for in 2713.
19. Assuming all black powder is carbon black
Particle form and colour alone do not establish 2803.
20. Classifying a finished asphalt roofing product as bulk petroleum bitumen
Heading 6807 may apply to finished asphalt articles.
21. Treating TDS as the classification rule
TDS supports facts but does not replace the HS legal text.
22. Accepting the supplier HS code without testing realistic alternatives
Supplier codes are evidence only and may reflect a different jurisdiction or product assumption.
23. Using a national analytical threshold as if it were universal HS law
Separate international HS text from jurisdiction-specific explanatory criteria.
24. Stopping at the six-digit code
The destination tariff may add further digits and more detailed requirements.
How to build a defensible HS 2713 classification file
Depending on the product, a strong classification file may include:
- exact technical product name;
- commercial product name;
- feedstock identity;
- petroleum, coal, tar or geological origin;
- refinery unit or production process;
- coking process;
- calcination confirmation;
- calciner certificate;
- process flow diagram;
- full composition;
- fixed carbon;
- volatile matter;
- sulphur;
- ash;
- moisture;
- density;
- particle form;
- penetration value;
- softening point;
- viscosity;
- distillation information;
- aromatic constituent data where relevant;
- water content;
- solvent content;
- polymer content;
- filler content;
- other additives;
- TDS;
- SDS;
- CoA;
- product photographs;
- packaging and imported form;
- supplier manufacturing declaration;
- GRI 1 analysis;
- GRI 6 analysis;
- comparison with 2704;
- comparison with 2708;
- comparison with 2710 where relevant;
- comparison with 2714;
- comparison with 2715;
- comparison with 2803 where relevant;
- comparison with 6807 where relevant;
- rejected competing headings and reasons;
- and the current detailed tariff of the destination country.
1. What is the actual source and technical identity of the material?
2. Is it petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen or another petroleum residue?
3. If it is petroleum coke, has it been calcined?
4. Has further formulation or manufacture changed the goods into another heading?
HS Code 2713 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain use the Harmonized System as the international foundation for customs tariff classification.
The HS 2022 international six-digit structure for heading 2713 is:
- 2713.11 — Petroleum coke, not calcined;
- 2713.12 — Petroleum coke, calcined;
- 2713.20 — Petroleum bitumen;
- 2713.90 — Other residues of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
The international HS6 code is the common classification foundation. The destination tariff may add further digits for more detailed customs classification.
Therefore, before filing a declaration, verify the current detailed tariff applicable in:
- Saudi Arabia;
- United Arab Emirates (UAE);
- Qatar;
- Oman;
- Kuwait;
- Bahrain.
The internationally harmonized level is HS6. Additional tariff digits are destination-specific or regional extensions and should be verified against the tariff currently in force.
Petroleum coke, bitumen and refinery residues may also be subject to separate requirements relating to:
- environmental controls;
- chemical management;
- dangerous goods or transport requirements where applicable;
- industrial permits;
- standards or conformity requirements;
- and other destination-specific controls.
These regulatory questions are separate from tariff classification.
HS 2028 and heading 2713
This guide is based on HS 2022.
The World Customs Organization has published the amendments for the next Harmonized System edition, which will enter into force internationally on 1 January 2028.
In Chapter 27, the published HS 2028 Recommendation changes the waste-oil structure under heading 2710, including deletion of 2710.91 and creation of new subheadings 2710.92 and 2710.93.
The published amendment document then moves to Chapter 28 without listing an amendment to heading 2713 itself.
Accordingly, the currently published HS 2028 Recommendation does not list a change to the international heading or subheading structure of 2713.
Always classify using the tariff legally in force on the relevant declaration date. Do not apply a future HS edition to a current shipment merely because the amendments have already been published.
Frequently asked questions about HS Code 2713
What does HS Code 2713 cover?
How many international HS6 codes are under 2713?
What is HS 2713.11?
What is HS 2713.12?
What is HS 2713.20?
What is HS 2713.90?
Is Green Petroleum Coke normally 2713.11?
Is Calcined Petroleum Coke classified under 2713.12?
Is there a sulphur percentage that separates 2713.11 from 2713.12?
Does low volatile matter automatically prove 2713.12?
Is fuel-grade petroleum coke a separate HS6 code?
Is anode-grade petroleum coke a separate HS6 code?
Does needle coke have its own HS6 code?
Is coal coke classified under 2713?
What is the difference between pitch coke and petroleum coke?
Is all road bitumen 2713.20?
Is natural bitumen classified under 2713.20?
Is cut-back bitumen classified under 2713.20?
Is bituminous mastic classified under 2713.20?
Does oxidized bitumen automatically leave 2713.20?
Is used lubricating oil an “other residue” under 2713.90?
Is refinery tank sludge always 2713.90?
Can oil mixed with water still be a waste oil under 2710?
Is carbon black classified as petroleum coke?
Does grinding petroleum coke into powder automatically move it to 2803?
Are asphalt roofing rolls classified as petroleum bitumen?
Can an SDS determine HS Code 2713?
What is the most important document for deciding whether petroleum coke is calcined?
Do Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain use the same international HS6 basis for 2713?
Will heading 2713 change in HS 2028?
Classify petroleum residues from the actual process and product identity
Petroleum coke, coal coke, pitch coke, petroleum bitumen, natural bitumen, waste oil and prepared bituminous mixtures may look similar but follow different HS pathways. Reliable classification starts with the actual goods, not the commercial label.
Conclusion
HS Code 2713 covers petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other residues of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Under HS 2022 there are four international HS6 subheadings:
- 2713.11 — Petroleum coke, not calcined;
- 2713.12 — Petroleum coke, calcined;
- 2713.20 — Petroleum bitumen;
- 2713.90 — Other residues of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
For petroleum coke, the critical international HS6 distinction is whether the goods are calcined or not calcined.
Commercial descriptions such as Green Petroleum Coke, Calcined Petroleum Coke, Fuel Grade, Anode Grade, Needle Coke, Sponge Coke or Shot Coke may be important technical evidence, but they do not create additional international HS6 subheadings.
Source must also be established.
Coke from coal, lignite or peat may require heading 2704, while pitch coke from coal tar or other mineral tars may require heading 2708.
For bituminous products, petroleum bitumen under 2713.20 must be distinguished from:
- natural bitumen and asphalt under 2714;
- bituminous mixtures such as mastics and cut-backs under 2715;
- and finished asphalt articles under 6807.
For refinery residues, the legal definition of waste oils in Chapter 27 Note 3 is particularly important.
Used lubricating oils, certain oil-storage-tank sludges and specified oil-water emulsions or mixtures may remain within the waste-oil framework of heading 2710 rather than 2713.90.
Technical documents such as TDS, SDS, CoA, refinery process records, calcination certificates and laboratory reports are important evidence, but they do not replace the heading terms, legal Notes or General Rules for Interpretation.
After identifying the correct international HS6 code, verify the current detailed destination tariff and any applicable regulatory requirements in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Official & Technical Sources
- World Customs Organization — HS 2022 Chapter 27
- World Customs Organization — General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System
- World Customs Organization — HS 2022 Chapter 28
- World Customs Organization — HS 2022 Chapter 68
- World Customs Organization — Official HS 2028 Amendments
- European Union — Combined Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Chapter 27
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Coking Technical Definition
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Green and Calcined Petroleum Coke Technical Information
This guide is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. Correct customs classification depends on the actual identity of the goods, feedstock source, manufacturing process, calcination status, composition, physical properties, additives, imported form, technical documentation and the tariff legally in force on the relevant declaration date.
The distinction between 2713.11 and 2713.12 is based on whether petroleum coke is not calcined or calcined. Commercial grade names, sulphur level, fixed-carbon percentage, volatile matter or intended use should not independently replace that legal distinction.
Terms such as Green Petroleum Coke, Calcined Petroleum Coke, Fuel Grade, Anode Grade, Needle Coke, Petroleum Asphalt, Road Bitumen, Modified Bitumen, Refinery Sludge or Petroleum Residue should not be treated as complete tariff descriptions without confirming their actual technical meaning.
TDS, SDS, Certificates of Analysis, laboratory reports, process certificates, supplier declarations and refinery documentation may provide important technical evidence, but they do not replace the legal tariff text, applicable Section or Chapter Notes, subheading terms or the General Rules for Interpretation.
Regulatory requirements relating to environmental controls, chemicals, transport, safety, industrial use or product standards are separate from tariff classification and may require additional analysis.
Nothing in this article constitutes a binding customs ruling. Before applying a classification in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait or Bahrain, verify the current detailed tariff, customs procedures and applicable regulatory requirements in the destination country.
