HS Code for Liquefied ethylene

Liquefied ethylene is classified under HS code 2711.14. This classification follows the structure of Chapter 27, which encompasses mineral fuels and products of petroleum distillation. Heading 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. Subheading 2711.14 is a collective category that includes ethylene, propylene, butylene, and butadiene in their liquefied forms. Ethylene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon that is typically gaseous at room temperature but is liquefied via cryogenic cooling or high pressure for international trade. The classification is driven by Note 1 to Chapter 27, which includes separate chemically defined gaseous hydrocarbons in this heading. Even if the ethylene is of high purity, it remains in 2711.14 when liquefied, rather than moving to the organic chemicals chapter, provided it is a petroleum gas or a similar gaseous hydrocarbon.

Products Included

• Liquefied ethylene (ethene)
• Liquefied propylene (propene)
• Liquefied butylene (butene)
• Liquefied butadiene
• Refinery-grade liquefied ethylene

Common Misclassification

A frequent point of confusion is HS code 2901.21, which covers ethylene as a chemically defined organic compound. While many organic chemicals move to Chapter 29 when pure, the legal notes for Chapter 27 specifically retain ethylene, propylene, and butadiene under 2711 when they are in a liquefied or gaseous state. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with 2711.19, the 'other' liquefied petroleum gas category. However, because ethylene is explicitly named in the description for 2711.14, that specific code takes precedence over the general category 2711.19.

FAQ

What is the HS code for liquefied ethylene?

The HS code for liquefied ethylene is 2711.14, which also includes propylene, butylene, and butadiene.

Does this code apply to ethylene in a gaseous state?

No, if ethylene is in a gaseous state (not liquefied), it is classified under HS code 2711.29, which covers other petroleum gases in gaseous form.