HS Code 27.11 – Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons

HS code 2711 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. HS Code 2711, 'Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons,' covers a crucial category of energy and chemical feedstocks, positioned within Section V (Mineral Products) and Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). This heading specifically includes hydrocarbons that are naturally in a gaseous state or are liquefied under pressure for storage and transport. It encompasses a wide range of products from natural gas (primarily methane) to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is a mixture of propane and butane, as well as individual gaseous hydrocarbons like ethane, ethylene, propylene, and butylene. The scope is broad, covering both natural gas extracted directly from fields and refinery gases that are byproducts of petroleum refining. These products are vital as fuels for heating, cooking, and power generation, as well as indispensable feedstocks for the petrochemical industry to produce plastics, synthetic rubber, and other organic chemicals. Accurate classification under 2711 is paramount for trade compliance due to the significant safety regulations governing the storage and transport of flammable gases, specific environmental considerations related to emissions, and varying duties or taxes often tied to energy policy. Historically, the trade of these gases has evolved from localized pipeline networks to massive global markets facilitated by advanced liquefaction and shipping technologies (e.g., LNG carriers), highlighting their ever-increasing strategic importance in the global energy mix.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Propane, Butane, Ethane, Methane (natural gas), Ethylene, Propylene, Butylene, Isobutane, Pentane (gaseous), Refinery gases, Natural gas liquids (NGLs, if gaseous), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Petroleum refinery off-gases, Mixed gaseous hydrocarbons, Propylene-butane mixtures, Commercial propane, Commercial butane, Ethane-propane mixtures, Fuel gas, Flare gas.

A common misclassification error for 2711 is confusing it with liquid petroleum products classified under 2709 (crude) or 2710 (refined); 2711 specifically covers gaseous hydrocarbons. Another pitfall is distinguishing between mixtures of gaseous hydrocarbons (2711) and pure, isolated acyclic hydrocarbons of Chapter 29 (e.g., 2901 for pure ethane). While some highly pure individual gases might technically fall under 2901, commercial-grade mixtures or those primarily intended as fuels or basic feedstocks are typically classified in 2711. Traders also sometimes confuse these with other industrial gases like hydrogen or nitrogen (2804), which are non-hydrocarbon gases.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2711 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($81.9B, 19% of world exports), Norway ($56.3B) and Australia ($39.6B). World exports came to about $435.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.8% of its exports here ($2.6B, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2711 in UN Comtrade data were China ($78.3B, 17% of world imports), Japan ($43.7B) and Germany ($33.6B). World imports came to about $463.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 2711 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (11) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.