2702.10.00.00 - Lignite, whether or not pulverized, but not agglomerated

This HTS category, 2702.10.00.00, specifically covers lignite that has not been agglomerated. Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a naturally occurring organic substance derived from peat. This classification includes lignite in its raw form, regardless of whether it has been processed into a powdered or pulverized state. The key defining characteristic is that the lignite must retain its original, uncompressed form and not have undergone any process to bind it into a solid, manufactured mass.

It is important to distinguish this category from its sibling, 2702.20.00.00, which is designated for "Agglomerated lignite." The primary differentiating factor is the processing of the lignite. While 2702.10.00.00 encompasses lignite that is loose, powdered, or otherwise in its non-agglomerated state, 2702.20.00.00 is reserved for lignite that has been artificially compressed and bound together, often into briquettes or other solid forms, for ease of handling, storage, or combustion.

As a leaf node within the HTS, 2702.10.00.00 does not have further subcategories. This means that all forms of non-agglomerated lignite, regardless of particle size or preparation (e.g., screened, screened and crushed, or pulverized), will be classified under this single code. Classification decisions for this entry will therefore hinge on confirming that the material is indeed lignite and that it has not undergone any agglomeration process.