HS Code for Methane

Methane is classified under HS code 2901.10 because it is a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2901 specifically covers acyclic hydrocarbons. Methane (CH4) is the simplest alkane and the primary member of the saturated acyclic series. For a product to be classified under 2901.10, it must be a separate chemically defined compound. This means the methane must be of high purity, typically 95% or higher by volume, intended for laboratory use, chemical synthesis, or specialized industrial applications. The classification logic follows the chemical structure of the molecule, which consists of a single carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms via single covalent bonds, meeting the definition of a saturated hydrocarbon. When methane is traded as a pure chemical reagent rather than a bulk energy source, this code ensures it is regulated alongside other basic organic building blocks like ethane and butane.

Products Included

• Chemically pure methane gas
• Methane for laboratory analysis
• High-purity methane for semiconductor manufacturing
• Liquid methane (chemically pure)
• Methane used as a chemical intermediate

Common Misclassification

Methane is most frequently misclassified under HS code 2711.11 or 2711.21. These codes refer to natural gas in liquefied or gaseous states, respectively. The primary distinction is the level of purity and the intended use. Natural gas is a mixture of various hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane) and impurities, whereas 2901.10 is reserved for methane as a distinct, isolated chemical compound. Importers often confuse these when methane is used for fuel, but if the product is not chemically pure, it must remain in Chapter 27.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Methane?

The HS code for chemically pure methane is 2901.10, which falls under the category of saturated acyclic hydrocarbons.

Is methane for fuel classified under 2901.10?

No, methane used as a fuel source, typically in the form of natural gas, is classified under heading 2711. Code 2901.10 is strictly for chemically pure methane.