Product classification
HS code for Propane: 2901.10
Acyclic hydrocarbons, saturated.
Classification of propane under HS 2901.10
Propane is classified under HS code 2901.10 when it is a chemically defined acyclic hydrocarbon in a saturated state. This specific code is used for propane that meets high purity standards, typically intended for use as a chemical feedstock or in laboratory applications rather than as a general fuel. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System is reserved for separate chemically defined organic compounds. To fall under 2901.10, the propane must generally be of a purity of 95% or higher by volume. If the product is a mixture of hydrocarbons or is intended for use as a fuel gas, it is excluded from Chapter 29 and moved to Chapter 27, which covers mineral fuels and oils.
- Covers
- High-purity propane (95%+)
- N-propane for chemical synthesis
- Reagent grade propane
- Propane used as a refrigerant (R-290) in pure form
- Saturated acyclic propane gas
- Also under 2901.10
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- N-Heptane (solvent)
- Isooctane (fuel standard)
- ExxonMobil (producer)
Codes often confused with 2901.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 2711.12, which covers liquefied propane used as fuel (LPG). Most commercial-grade propane used for heating or cooking falls under 2711.12. The distinction is based on purity and intended use; if the propane is not a "separate chemically defined compound," it cannot stay in Chapter 29. Importers often confuse these two based on the name "propane" without checking the chemical specifications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290110 (the code used for propane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290110 (the code used for propane) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% 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 290110, not only propane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $7.1B 79% of world exports
- 2 Canada $788M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$231M 2.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.1B 36% of world imports
- 2 United States $826M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 India $723M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $8.6B 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 propane
Brazil classifies propane under NCM 2901.10.00: HS 2901.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about propane
What is the HS code for Propane?
The HS code for Propane is 290110 (Acyclic hydrocarbons; saturated). For chemically pure propane (95%+), the HS code is 2901.10. For fuel-grade liquefied propane, use 2711.12.
How do I classify Propane for customs?
Propane is classified under HS code 290110 — Acyclic hydrocarbons; saturated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is refrigerant grade propane classified here?
Yes, if the refrigerant propane (R-290) is a pure, separate chemically defined compound, it is classified under 2901.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of propane (HS 290110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290110 (the code used for propane) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.1B, 79% of world exports), Canada ($788M) and Russia (about $231M). World exports came to about $8.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of propane (HS 290110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290110 (the code used for propane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.1B, 36% of world imports), the United States ($826M) and India ($723M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 Propane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290110 for Propane 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 propane in Brazil?
In Brazil, propane (HS 290110) is classified under NCM 2901.10.00.