Product classification
HS code for LNG: 2711.11
Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, liquefied, natural gas.
Classification of LNG under HS 2711.11
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.
- Covers
- Liquefied methane
- Cryogenic natural gas
- Liquefied natural gas mixtures (methane-dominant)
- Refrigerated natural gas for maritime transport
- 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. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271111 (the code used for LNG), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271111 (the code used for LNG) 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 LNG.
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 LNG
Brazil classifies LNG 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 LNG
What is the HS code for LNG?
The HS code for LNG is 271111 (Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, natural gas). The international HS code for Liquefied Natural Gas is 2711.11.
How do I classify LNG for customs?
LNG is classified under HS code 271111 — Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, natural gas. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of LNG (HS 271111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271111 (the code used for LNG) 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 LNG (HS 271111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271111 (the code used for LNG) 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 LNG the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271111 for LNG 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 LNG in Brazil?
In Brazil, LNG (HS 271111) is classified under NCM 2711.11.00.