Product classification
HS code for Water gas: 2705.00
Gases, coal, water, producer and similar gases (excluding petroleum and other gaseous hydrocarbons).
Classification of water gas under HS 2705.00
Water gas is classified under HS code 2705.00. This heading encompasses coal gas, water gas, producer gas, and similar gases, excluding petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. Water gas is a manufactured fuel gas produced by passing steam over incandescent carbonaceous fuel, such as coke or coal. This process results in a mixture primarily composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The classification is determined by the manufacturing process and the resulting chemical mixture, which distinguishes it from naturally occurring gases. Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System covers mineral fuels and products of their distillation. Since water gas is a product of the gasification of solid mineral fuels, it falls squarely under 2705.00. This code is used for industrial gases used in heating or as synthesis gas in chemical manufacturing, provided they are not pure gases (which would fall under Chapter 28) or petroleum-derived gases (which fall under 2711).
- Covers
- Blue water gas
- Carburetted water gas (enriched with oil)
- Semi-water gas
- Synthesis gas (syngas) derived from coal gasification
- Industrial fuel gas produced from steam and coke
- Also under 2705.00
- Industrial syngas production (e.g., from coal gasification plants)
- steel mill blast furnace gas utilization
- coke oven gas recovery systems
Codes often confused with 2705.00
Common mistake. Water gas is frequently confused with HS code 2711.21 (Natural gas) or 2711.29 (Other petroleum gases). However, 2711 is reserved for gases consisting of hydrocarbons. Because water gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, it must stay in 2705.00. It is also sometimes misclassified in 2804.10 if the hydrogen content is the primary focus, but as a mixture, 2705.00 is the correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270500 (the code used for water gas), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270500 (the code used for water gas) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 83% 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 270500, not only water gas.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $2.5M 42% of world exports
- 2 Estonia $1.4M 24% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $728K 12% of world exports
World total: $5.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $12M 83% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $422K 2.9% of world imports
- 3 France $394K 2.8% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 water gas
Brazil classifies water gas under NCM 2705.00.00: HS 2705.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about water gas
What is the HS code for Water gas?
The HS code for Water gas is 270500 (Gases; coal, water, producer and similar gases (excluding petroleum and other gaseous hydrocarbons)). The HS code for water gas is 2705.00.
How do I classify Water gas for customs?
Water gas is classified under HS code 270500 — Gases; coal, water, producer and similar gases (excluding petroleum and other gaseous hydrocarbons). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is water gas the same as natural gas?
No, water gas is a manufactured gas made from steam and coal/coke, whereas natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon classified under 2711.
Which countries are the top exporters of water gas (HS 270500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270500 (the code used for water gas) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.5M, 42% of world exports), Estonia ($1.4M) and Singapore ($728K). World exports came to about $5.9M, 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 water gas (HS 270500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270500 (the code used for water gas) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($12M, 83% of world imports), the Netherlands ($422K) and France ($394K). World imports came to about $14M, 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 Water gas the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270500 for Water 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 water gas in Brazil?
In Brazil, water gas (HS 270500) is classified under NCM 2705.00.00.