HS Code for LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is classified under HS code 2711.11 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 27 encompasses mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Within this chapter, heading 2711 is specifically dedicated to petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. The subheading 2711.11 is reserved for natural gas that has been cooled to approximately -162 degrees Celsius (-260 degrees Fahrenheit), transforming it into a liquid state for efficient transport and storage. This classification is determined by the chemical composition—primarily methane—and the physical state of the product. The liquefaction process reduces the volume of the gas by approximately 600 times, but for customs purposes, the essential character remains that of natural gas. Classification under this code requires the product to be in its liquefied form; once regasified, it would fall under a different subheading within the same heading. This code is used globally to track the trade of cryogenic natural gas across international borders.

Products Included

• Liquefied methane
• Cryogenic natural gas
• Liquefied natural gas mixtures (methane-dominant)
• Refrigerated natural gas for maritime transport

Common Misclassification

LNG is frequently misclassified under HS code 2711.21, which is the designation for natural gas in its gaseous state. The primary distinction lies in the physical state at the time of customs declaration; 2711.11 is strictly for the liquid form, whereas 2711.21 covers gas transported via pipelines. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with 2711.12 (liquefied propane) or 2711.19 (other liquefied petroleum gases), which are chemically distinct hydrocarbons despite sharing the liquefied state.

FAQ

What is the HS code for LNG?

The international HS code for Liquefied Natural Gas is 2711.11.

Does 2711.11 include compressed natural gas (CNG)?

No, CNG is typically classified under 2711.21 because it remains in a gaseous state, albeit under high pressure, rather than being liquefied through cryogenic cooling.