Product classification
HS code for Natural gas: 2711.21
Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, in gaseous state, natural gas.
Classification of natural gas under HS 2711.21
Natural gas in its gaseous state is classified under HS code 2711.21. This classification is part of Chapter 27, which covers mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Heading 2711 specifically addresses petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. The code is subdivided based on the physical state of the gas (liquefied versus gaseous) and the specific chemical composition. Natural gas consists primarily of methane and is found in underground reservoirs. When it is transported via pipelines in its ambient gaseous form, it falls under 2711.21. This distinguishes it from liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is cooled to a liquid state for transport in specialized tankers. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the gas is used for industrial heating, electricity generation, or as a raw material in chemical manufacturing, provided it remains in a gaseous state during the point of customs declaration.
- Covers
- Pipeline natural gas (primarily methane)
- Dry natural gas in gaseous form
- Associated gas from oil wells in gaseous state
- Non-associated gas from dedicated gas fields
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) when transported in cylinders
- Also under 2711.21
- Gazprom (Russia)
- Equinor (Norway)
- National Grid (UK)
- Enbridge (Canada)
- Kinder Morgan (USA)
- TransCanada Pipelines.
Codes often confused with 2711.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 2711.21 (gaseous) and 2711.11 (liquefied). Importers must ensure that the physical state at the time of border crossing is accurately reflected. Another potential error is classifying natural gas under 2705.00, which covers coal gas, water gas, and producer gas. While these are also gaseous fuels, they are manufactured gases rather than naturally occurring hydrocarbons. Additionally, pure methane for laboratory use might be classified in Chapter 29 as a separate chemically defined organic compound, though most commercial natural gas remains in Chapter 27.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271121 (the code used for natural gas), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271121 (the code used for natural gas) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% 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 271121, not only natural gas.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $52.9B 32% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$19.3B 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $13.1B 7.9% of world exports
World total: $164.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $27.8B 17% of world imports
- 2 China $21.2B 13% of world imports
- 3 Italy $17.3B 11% of world imports
World total: $163.2B 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 natural gas
Brazil classifies natural gas under NCM 2711.21.00: HS 2711.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural gas
What is the HS code for Natural gas?
The HS code for Natural gas is 271121 (Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; in gaseous state, natural gas). The HS code for natural gas in its gaseous state is 2711.21.
How do I classify Natural gas for customs?
Natural gas is classified under HS code 271121 — Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; in gaseous state, natural gas. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does this differ from the code for LNG?
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is classified under HS code 2711.11, whereas gaseous natural gas is 2711.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural gas (HS 271121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271121 (the code used for natural gas) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($52.9B, 32% of world exports), Russia (about $19.3B) and Belgium ($13.1B). World exports came to about $164.8B, 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 natural gas (HS 271121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271121 (the code used for natural gas) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27.8B, 17% of world imports), China ($21.2B) and Italy ($17.3B). World imports came to about $163.2B, 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 Natural gas the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271121 for 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 natural gas in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural gas (HS 271121) is classified under NCM 2711.21.00.