HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2711.21 – Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; in gaseous state, natural gas
HS code 2711.21 is the 6-digit subheading for petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, in gaseous state, natural gas. It is used for pipeline natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) for local distribution, raw natural gas (before processing), processed natural gas and shale gas (in gaseous state).
What HS 2711.21 covers
This code covers natural gas in its gaseous state, primarily transported via extensive pipeline networks. It is a vital energy source globally, used for power generation, industrial processes, and residential heating. International trade in gaseous natural gas is characterized by long-term supply contracts and significant geopolitical considerations, as pipeline infrastructure dictates trade routes. Major exporters are countries with vast natural gas reserves, while importers are energy-intensive nations seeking a relatively cleaner fossil fuel to meet their energy demands. Unlike LNG (271111), this trade is geographically constrained by the physical presence of pipelines, making regional energy security and infrastructure development key factors in its international movement.
- Covers
- Pipeline natural gas
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) for local distribution
- Raw natural gas (before processing)
- Processed natural gas
- Shale gas (in gaseous state)
- Conventional natural gas.
- Examples
- Gazprom (Russia)
- Equinor (Norway)
- National Grid (UK)
- Enbridge (Canada)
- Kinder Morgan (USA)
- TransCanada Pipelines.
Codes often confused with 2711.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 271111 (liquefied natural gas) as it refers to natural gas in its gaseous state, requiring pipeline transport rather than cryogenic tankers. It should also not be confused with other gaseous hydrocarbons in 271129, which are not natural gas.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 271121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 271121 in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $52.9B 32% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$19.3B 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $13.1B 7.9% of world exports
World total: $164.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $27.8B 17% of world imports
- 2 China $21.2B 13% of world imports
- 3 Italy $17.3B 11% of world imports
World total: $163.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2711.21
Brazil does not split HS 2711.21: its NCM code is 2711.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2711.21
What is HS code 271121?
HS code 271121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; in gaseous state, natural gas. This code covers natural gas in its gaseous state, primarily transported via extensive pipeline networks. It is a vital energy source globally, used for power generation, industrial processes, and residential heating. International trade in gaseous natural gas is characterized by long-term supply contracts and significant geopolitical considerations, as pipeline infrastructure dictates trade routes. Major exporters are countries with vast natural gas reserves, while importers are energy-intensive nations seeking a relatively cleaner fossil fuel to meet their energy demands. Unlike LNG (271111), this trade is geographically constrained by the physical presence of pipelines, making regional energy security and infrastructure development key factors in its international movement.
What products fall under HS code 271121?
Pipeline natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) for local distribution, raw natural gas (before processing), processed natural gas, shale gas (in gaseous state), conventional natural gas.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 271121?
This code is distinct from 271111 (liquefied natural gas) as it refers to natural gas in its gaseous state, requiring pipeline transport rather than cryogenic tankers. It should also not be confused with other gaseous hydrocarbons in 271129, which are not natural gas.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 271121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 271121 in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($52.9B, 32% of world exports), Russia (about $19.3B) and Belgium ($13.1B). World exports came to about $164.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 271121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 271121 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27.8B, 17% of world imports), China ($21.2B) and Italy ($17.3B). World imports came to about $163.2B, 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.
How is HS code 271121 structured?
HS code 271121 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 271121?
In Brazil, HS code 271121 is NCM 2711.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.