Product classification
HS code for Liquefied natural gas: 2711.11
Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, liquefied, natural gas.
Classification of liquefied natural gas under HS 2711.11
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is classified under HS code 2711.11. This classification is determined by the specific nomenclature of Chapter 27, which covers mineral fuels and mineral oils. Heading 2711 is the primary heading for petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. The Harmonized System distinguishes between the physical states of these gases. Subheading 2711.11 is the most specific code for natural gas that has been cooled to approximately -162 degrees Celsius to reach a liquid state. This process reduces the volume of the gas by about 600 times, making it viable for transport in specialized cryogenic tankers. The classification is based on the product's composition—primarily methane—and its liquefied state at the time of customs entry. This code is used globally for the bulk importation and exportation of natural gas via sea terminals.
- Covers
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Liquefied methane
- Cryogenic natural gas
- Liquefied natural gas for power generation
- Liquefied natural gas for industrial heating
- Also under 2711.11
- QatarEnergy (Qatargas)
- Cheniere Energy (USA)
- Shell (Prelude FLNG)
- ExxonMobil (PNG LNG)
- TotalEnergies
- Petronas.
Codes often confused with 2711.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for LNG is HS code 2711.21, which is the code for natural gas in its gaseous state. This code (2711.21) is typically used for natural gas transported via pipelines. Another error involves HS code 2711.12 (propane) or 2711.19 (LPG). While LNG and LPG are both liquefied gases, they have different chemical compositions; LNG is mostly methane, whereas LPG is mostly propane and butane. Using the LPG code for LNG is a significant regulatory error due to the different tariff treatments and safety regulations applied to methane.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271111 (the code used for liquefied natural gas), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271111 (the code used for liquefied natural gas) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 271111, not only liquefied natural gas.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $44.6B 23% of world exports
- 2 Australia $38.5B 20% of world exports
- 3 Qatar* ~$32.7B 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $193.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $38.0B 18% of world imports
- 2 China $35.8B 17% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $26.0B 12% of world imports
World total: $210.9B 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 liquefied natural gas
Brazil classifies liquefied natural gas under NCM 2711.11.00: HS 2711.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about liquefied natural gas
What is the HS code for Liquefied natural gas?
The HS code for Liquefied natural gas is 271111 (Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, natural gas). The HS code for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is 2711.11, which is specific to natural gas in a liquefied state.
How do I classify Liquefied natural gas for customs?
Liquefied natural gas is classified under HS code 271111 — Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, natural gas. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is methane classified under the same code as LNG?
Yes, since natural gas is predominantly methane, liquefied methane is classified under HS code 2711.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of liquefied natural gas (HS 271111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271111 (the code used for liquefied natural gas) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44.6B, 23% of world exports), Australia ($38.5B) and Qatar (about $32.7B). World exports came to about $193.1B, 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 liquefied natural gas (HS 271111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271111 (the code used for liquefied natural gas) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($38.0B, 18% of world imports), China ($35.8B) and South Korea ($26.0B). World imports came to about $210.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Liquefied natural gas the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271111 for Liquefied natural gas is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for liquefied natural gas in Brazil?
In Brazil, liquefied natural gas (HS 271111) is classified under NCM 2711.11.00.