HS Code for B5 fuel

B5 fuel, consisting of 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum diesel, is classified under HS code 2710.20. This classification is determined by the precise composition of the mixture. Heading 2710 encompasses petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals (other than crude). Subheading 2710.20 specifically addresses petroleum oils containing biodiesel. The legal notes for Chapter 27 specify that this subheading includes petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals in which biodiesel is present, as long as the petroleum oil content represents 70% or more of the total weight. Because B5 has a very high petroleum content (95%), it comfortably exceeds the 70% threshold. It is essential to use 2710.20 rather than 2710.19 (which covers other medium oils) because the presence of even a small amount of biodiesel triggers the specific requirement for the 2710.20 classification. This ensures that customs authorities can track the volume of renewable fuels entering or leaving a territory, even when they are present in low concentrations like the 5% found in B5.

Products Included

• B5 Biodiesel blend (95% petroleum, 5% bio)
• B2 Biodiesel blend
• Standard commercial diesel with 5% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)
• Low-sulfur B5 diesel

Common Misclassification

B5 is frequently misclassified under HS code 2710.19. This occurs because many importers view B5 as "standard" diesel, which traditionally falls under 2710.19. However, the international Harmonized System explicitly directs any petroleum oil containing any amount of biodiesel (provided petroleum is >70%) to 2710.20. Another misclassification involves HS code 3826.00, which is only for products where biodiesel is the primary component (petroleum <70%). Using 3826.00 for B5 would be incorrect as it ignores the 95% petroleum base of the fuel.

FAQ

What is the HS code for B5 fuel?

The HS code for B5 fuel is 2710.20, as it is a petroleum oil containing biodiesel with a petroleum concentration exceeding 70%.

Why is B5 not classified under 2710.19?

HS code 2710.19 is for petroleum oils that do not contain biodiesel. Since B5 contains 5% biodiesel, it must be classified under the more specific code 2710.20.