HS Code for Liquefied butane

Liquefied butane is classified under HS code 2711.13. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System covers mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Within this chapter, heading 2711 is dedicated to petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. The classification specifically targets the physical state of the product; because butane is a gas at standard temperature and pressure but is compressed or cooled into a liquid for transport, it falls under the 'liquefied' sub-category. Subheading 2711.13 is the specific provision for butanes. This code applies regardless of whether the butane is intended for use as a fuel, a chemical feedstock, or a propellant, provided it meets the technical description of a petroleum gas under the Chapter 27 notes.

Products Included

• Normal butane (n-butane) in liquefied form
• Isobutane in liquefied form
• Mixtures of butane isomers where butane predominates by weight
• Liquefied butane used as fuel for lighters or camping stoves
• Industrial grade liquefied butane

Common Misclassification

Liquefied butane is frequently misclassified under HS code 2711.29, which is the category for petroleum gases in a gaseous state. The distinction is purely physical; if the product is pressurized in a tank as a liquid, 2711.13 is mandatory. Another common error involves HS code 2901.10, which covers saturated acyclic hydrocarbons. While butane is chemically a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon, Chapter 29 is generally reserved for separate chemically defined compounds of high purity. Most commercial butane contains enough impurities or is intended for fuel use such that Chapter 27 is the correct placement.

FAQ

What is the HS code for liquefied butane?

The HS code for liquefied butane is 2711.13, which specifically covers liquefied butanes within the petroleum gas heading.

Is isobutane classified differently than normal butane?

No, both normal butane and isobutane are classified under HS code 2711.13 when they are in a liquefied state, as the code covers 'butanes' in the plural, encompassing all isomers.