HS Code 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. At the international six-digit level, the heading first distinguishes products presented in a liquefied state from products presented in gaseous state, then subdivides them according to the identity or composition of the gas.

Products associated commercially with Heading 2711 can include natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane, certain butane products, LPG mixtures, ethane, refinery gas streams and other gaseous hydrocarbon products.

Classification cannot safely be determined from the commercial name alone.

Descriptions such as:

• LPG;
• natural gas;
• LNG;
• CNG;
• propane;
• butane;
• fuel gas;
• refinery gas;
• hydrocarbon gas;
• natural gas liquids;
• or mixed gas

may still require composition data, purity information and confirmation of physical state before the correct international HS6 code can be selected.

A defensible classification may require the classifier to determine:

• the exact hydrocarbon composition;
• whether the goods are natural gas;
• whether the product is liquefied or remains gaseous as presented;
• whether the product is a single chemically defined compound or a mixture;
• the purity of relevant hydrocarbons;
• whether a mixture contains different hydrocarbons or merely isomers of the same acyclic hydrocarbon;
• whether Chapter 29 applies;
• whether the product contains significant non-hydrocarbon gases;
• and whether another heading provides a more specific legal description.

These issues are especially important for companies trading with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Where HS Code 2711 sits within Chapter 27

Heading 2711 belongs to Chapter 27: mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes.

For the wider Chapter structure, see: HS Code Chapter 27 Classification Guide .

Heading 2711 follows Heading 2710, but the two headings should not be confused.

Heading 2710 principally concerns petroleum oils, oils obtained from bituminous minerals, qualifying petroleum-oil preparations and waste oils.

Heading 2711 specifically concerns: petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons.

A hydrocarbon gas does not become an oil of Heading 2710 merely because it has been liquefied under pressure or refrigeration for storage or transport.

Heading 2711 expressly contains a legal branch for liquefied gases.

Legal structure of Heading 2711

Under HS 2022, the legal heading text is:

The first international subheading division is:

• Liquefied; and
• In gaseous state.

This means physical state is not merely transport information. It is part of the international HS6 structure.

After the state of presentation is established, the classifier must identify the correct product-specific or residual subheading.

International HS6 structure of Heading 2711

The following descriptions reproduce the current HS 2022 six-digit legal wording. Explanatory comments are shown separately.

Liquefied versus gaseous state

The physical state of the goods as presented is a central issue under Heading 2711.

Liquefied products

The liquefied branch contains:

• 2711.11;
• 2711.12;
• 2711.13;
• 2711.14; and
• 2711.19.

Liquefaction may result from pressure, cooling or a combination of process conditions depending on the hydrocarbon.

For customs purposes, determine the actual state of the goods as presented rather than assuming classification from the type of tank or cylinder alone.

Products in gaseous state

The gaseous-state branch contains only:

• 2711.21 — Natural gas; and
• 2711.29 — Other.

Compression does not automatically mean liquefaction.

A product can be stored at elevated pressure and still remain physically in gaseous state.

Natural gas — 2711.11 versus 2711.21

2711.11 — Natural gas, liquefied

Natural gas presented in liquefied state is classified internationally under 2711.11.

This is the branch commonly associated with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Useful evidence can include:

• gas composition;
• methane percentage;
• ethane and heavier hydrocarbon content;
• nitrogen and other non-hydrocarbon components;
• Certificate of Analysis;
• liquefaction and transport specifications;
• temperature and pressure conditions;
• and commercial shipping documents.

2711.21 — Natural gas, in gaseous state

Natural gas remaining in gaseous state falls under the international subheading 2711.21.

This can include natural gas transported through pipelines or presented in a compressed form where it remains gaseous.

The abbreviation “CNG” should support the investigation, not replace it.

Confirm that the product is actually natural gas and that it remains in gaseous state as presented.

Pure methane — an important special rule

Chapter 27 normally excludes separate chemically defined organic compounds.

However, Chapter 27 Note 1 expressly creates two exceptions:

• pure methane; and
• pure propane.

Both are to be classified in Heading 2711.

Chapter 29 confirms the same treatment by specifically excluding methane and propane from that Chapter.

This is important because a classifier familiar with Chapter 29 may otherwise assume that every pure hydrocarbon must automatically be classified there.

HS 2711.12 — Propane

Propane receives the same special Chapter 27 treatment as methane.

Even when propane is a pure, separately chemically defined compound, it is expressly retained in Heading 2711 rather than being moved to Chapter 29.

Where propane is presented in liquefied state, 2711.12 is the specific international HS6 branch.

Relevant technical evidence can include:

• propane purity;
• ethane content;
• propylene content;
• n-butane and isobutane content;
• Certificate of Analysis;
• TDS or product specification;
• SDS;
• and physical state at presentation.

What if propane is in gaseous state?

2711.12 sits specifically beneath the legal heading “Liquefied.”

Therefore, propane that remains in gaseous state should not be assigned 2711.12 merely because the chemical identity is propane.

If the goods remain properly classified in Heading 2711, the gaseous-state structure must instead be considered, including 2711.29 where appropriate.

HS 2711.13 — Butanes

HS 2711.13 is the international subheading for qualifying butanes in liquefied form.

Butane classification requires more caution than propane because Chapter 27 does not provide pure butane with the same explicit exception given to pure methane and pure propane.

The classifier should establish whether the product is:

• commercial butane;
• a petroleum-gas mixture;
• a mixture of n-butane and isobutane;
• predominantly one butane isomer;
• or a separate chemically defined hydrocarbon of sufficient purity for Chapter 29.

The 95% purity issue

HS explanatory guidance uses an important purity boundary for butane.

A product reaching the relevant high-purity level for n-butane or isobutane individually requires Chapter 29 analysis rather than automatic classification in 2711.13.

The commonly applied boundary is 95%.

This should not be misunderstood as saying that any mixture containing 95% total butanes automatically leaves Chapter 27.

Chapter 29 Note 1 specifically excludes mixtures of acyclic hydrocarbon isomers from Chapter 29, other than stereoisomer situations covered by its wording.

Therefore, the exact isomer profile matters.

Butane in gaseous state

2711.13 is inside the liquefied branch.

A qualifying butane gas presented in gaseous state must instead be considered under the gaseous-state structure, potentially 2711.29, subject to the Chapter Notes.

HS 2711.14 — Ethylene, propylene, butylene and butadiene

The legal wording of 2711.14 is:

Because this wording appears very specific, it can tempt the classifier to select 2711.14 immediately.

That can be wrong.

Classification begins with GRI 1 and the Chapter Notes.

Chapter 27 generally excludes separate chemically defined organic compounds, with the special exceptions of pure methane and propane.

Consequently, sufficiently pure separate chemically defined ethylene, propylene, butylene or butadiene can require classification in Heading 2901 rather than Heading 2711.

Ethylene

HS explanatory guidance uses a 95% purity boundary when distinguishing relevant ethylene products of Chapter 27 from separately chemically defined ethylene of Heading 2901.

At the high-purity side of that boundary, 2901.21 becomes relevant.

Propylene

For propylene, the important explanatory purity boundary is 90%.

A separate propylene product at or above the relevant purity boundary requires consideration of 2901.22.

Lower-purity qualifying petroleum-gas material can remain relevant to Heading 2711.

Butylene and butadiene

The corresponding explanatory threshold for relevant butylenes and butadienes is generally 90%.

High-purity separate chemically defined products may require Heading 2901, while qualifying lower-purity petroleum-gas products can remain within Heading 2711.

Again, mixtures of acyclic hydrocarbon isomers require separate consideration under Chapter 29 Note 1.

Where does ethane fit?

Ethane deserves separate attention because there is no HS6 subheading under 2711 named “Ethane.”

Where ethane qualifies for Heading 2711:

• a liquefied product may need consideration under 2711.19 — Other;
• a product in gaseous state may need consideration under 2711.29 — Other.

However, purity again matters.

The HS explanatory approach uses 95% as an important boundary for ethane.

A sufficiently pure separate ethane product can require classification in Heading 2901 as a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon rather than remaining in Chapter 27.

Therefore, an invoice description such as “liquefied ethane” does not by itself establish 2711.19.

Obtain an actual composition or purity certificate.

Purity thresholds and the Chapter 29 boundary

Purity is one of the most important technical issues in Heading 2711.

The reason is structural:

• Chapter 27 generally excludes separate chemically defined organic compounds;
• pure methane and pure propane are explicit exceptions;
• Chapter 29 normally covers separate chemically defined organic compounds;
• but Chapter 29 itself excludes methane and propane to Heading 2711;
• and Chapter 29 contains a special rule for mixtures of acyclic hydrocarbon isomers.

HS 2711.19 and 2711.29 — the residual branches

2711.19 — Other, liquefied

The legal six-digit wording is simply: “Other.”

It is the residual subheading within the liquefied branch.

Depending on the facts and application of the GIRs, it can be relevant to qualifying liquefied petroleum gases or gaseous hydrocarbons not classified under the preceding specific liquefied subheadings.

Ethane that legally remains in Chapter 27 is an important product to consider in this context because no separate ethane HS6 line appears under 2711.

2711.29 — Other, in gaseous state

The legal wording is also simply: “Other.”

It is the residual gaseous-state branch after 2711.21 Natural gas.

Potentially relevant products can include qualifying gaseous propane, butane-related streams, ethane or other petroleum-gas mixtures, depending on the composition, Chapter Notes and application of the GIRs.

Do not use a residual code until the specific alternatives and competing headings have been examined.

How should LPG be classified?

LPG — Liquefied Petroleum Gas is an important commercial term.

But there is no HS 2022 six-digit subheading whose legal wording is simply “LPG.”

Therefore:

“The product is LPG” is not a complete HS6 classification.

An LPG shipment may contain:

• propane;
• n-butane;
• isobutane;
• propylene;
• butylenes;
• small quantities of ethane;
• or other hydrocarbons.

The exact proportions may materially affect the correct subheading.

LPG mixtures and the General Rules for Interpretation

A propane/butane mixture should not automatically be classified as:

• 2711.12 merely because propane appears first on the specification;
• 2711.13 merely because the supplier calls it “butane LPG”;
• or 2711.19 merely because it is a mixture.

At heading level, GRI 1 and the relevant Chapter Notes must first establish Heading 2711.

At subheading level, GRI 6 applies the relevant Rules mutatis mutandis while comparing only subheadings at the same level.

For mixtures, this means the principles of GRI 2(b) and GRI 3 can become important.

Depending on the composition and legal analysis:

• a more specific subheading may apply;
• essential character may become relevant under GRI 3(b);
• or GRI 3(c) may become relevant where appropriate.

Important HS 2711 classification boundaries

2705 versus 2711

Heading 2705 covers coal gas, water gas, producer gas and similar gases, while its legal wording expressly distinguishes them from petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons.

Fuel value or combustibility does not determine this boundary.

The production source, manufacturing route and actual composition matter.

2710 versus 2711

A gas liquefied for storage or transport is not automatically a petroleum oil.

Heading 2711 expressly includes a liquefied branch.

The fact that the material appears as liquid inside a pressurized vessel should not override its technical identity as a liquefied gaseous hydrocarbon.

2711 versus 2804 — hydrogen

Hydrogen can be produced and consumed in petroleum refineries, but it is not a hydrocarbon because it contains no carbon.

The origin of the gas from a refinery does not transform it into a petroleum gas of Heading 2711.

Heading 2804 includes hydrogen.

2711 versus 2811 — carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide can be present in natural-gas or processing streams, but pure carbon dioxide is not a hydrocarbon.

A shipment of carbon dioxide should not be classified under 2711 merely because it originated from a gas-processing facility.

Heading 2811 includes carbon dioxide.

2711 versus 3606 — lighter refill fuel

Packaging can create an important boundary.

Heading 3606 specifically includes liquid or liquefied-gas fuels in containers of a kind used for filling or refilling cigarette or similar lighters where the capacity does not exceed 300 cm³.

A small butane lighter-refill product should therefore not automatically be treated like bulk liquefied butane.

Technical evidence for HS Code 2711

Step-by-step HS 2711 classification process

Practical HS Code 2711 classification scenarios

Scenario 1 — Liquefied natural gas

Technical documents confirm natural gas presented in liquefied state.

2711.11 is the relevant international HS6 branch.

Scenario 2 — Pipeline natural gas

The goods are natural gas and remain in gaseous state.

2711.21 is the relevant international branch.

Scenario 3 — Compressed natural gas

Natural gas is compressed for storage or transport but remains physically gaseous.

Compression alone does not turn the product into LNG.

If the product remains natural gas in gaseous state, 2711.21 is the relevant branch.

Scenario 4 — Pure liquefied propane

The CoA confirms propane as the product.

Chapter 27 expressly retains pure propane in Heading 2711.

If liquefied, 2711.12 is the specific HS6 branch.

Scenario 5 — Propane in gaseous state

The product is propane but remains gaseous.

Do not use 2711.12 because that subheading sits under “Liquefied.”

If Heading 2711 is otherwise applicable, 2711.29 should be evaluated.

Scenario 6 — Invoice says only “LPG”

No detailed composition is supplied.

The information is insufficient for a strong HS6 determination.

Request a CoA showing propane, n-butane, isobutane and relevant other gases.

Scenario 7 — Propane/butane LPG mixture

The product contains material quantities of both propane and butanes.

Do not automatically select propane, butane or “Other.”

Apply GRI 6 together with the relevant mixture rules to the actual composition.

Scenario 8 — 96% n-butane

Laboratory data show that the product is 96% n-butane.

Because the individual n-butane content is above the important 95% purity boundary, Chapter 29 must be reviewed rather than automatically selecting 2711.13.

Scenario 9 — Mixture of n-butane and isobutane

The product contains a high combined percentage of butane isomers, but neither single isomer reaches the relevant high-purity level.

Do not treat “total butanes” as though it were the purity of one chemical.

Chapter 29 Note 1 on mixtures of acyclic hydrocarbon isomers becomes important.

Scenario 10 — 97% ethylene

The material is a separate high-purity ethylene product.

Do not select 2711.14 merely because “ethylene” appears in the HS6 wording.

Heading 2901.21 requires consideration.

Scenario 11 — 85% propylene petroleum-gas stream

The stream is not a high-purity separate propylene product.

If the other Chapter 27 conditions are satisfied and the product is liquefied, 2711.14 can be relevant.

Scenario 12 — 95% propylene

The product is a high-purity separate propylene compound.

The 90% Chapter 27 / Chapter 29 purity boundary has been exceeded.

2901.22 should be evaluated.

Scenario 13 — Liquefied ethane below the high-purity boundary

The product qualifies as a Chapter 27 gaseous hydrocarbon and is presented liquefied.

Because there is no named ethane HS6 line, 2711.19 can be relevant after applying the legal rules.

Scenario 14 — High-purity ethane

The product reaches the relevant high-purity threshold as a separate compound.

Heading 2901.10 should be examined rather than automatically using 2711.19.

Scenario 15 — Refinery fuel gas in gaseous state

The product is a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons generated by refinery operations and remains gaseous.

If it qualifies under Heading 2711 and is not natural gas, 2711.29 can be relevant.

Scenario 16 — Hydrogen from a refinery

High-purity hydrogen is produced at a refinery.

Refinery origin does not make hydrogen a petroleum gas.

Heading 2804 should be evaluated.

Scenario 17 — Carbon dioxide from gas processing

Carbon dioxide is recovered from a natural-gas processing facility.

It is not a hydrocarbon.

Heading 2811 should be evaluated.

Scenario 18 — Coal gas

The material is technically coal gas.

Heading 2705 is the relevant starting point rather than 2711.

Scenario 19 — Butane lighter refill

Liquefied-gas fuel is sold in a container specifically used to refill cigarette or similar lighters and the container capacity does not exceed 300 cm³.

Heading 3606 must be considered.

Scenario 20 — “Natural Gas Liquid” on the invoice

The phrase “natural gas liquid” can refer commercially to different hydrocarbon streams.

It should not be treated as automatically equivalent to “liquefied natural gas.”

Obtain exact composition and product identity before deciding between 2711.11, another Heading 2711 branch or another heading.

Scenario 21 — Pure methane produced chemically

The product is pure methane rather than a conventional natural-gas mixture.

Chapter 27 Note 1 still directs pure methane to Heading 2711.

However, the six-digit choice should not be made by automatically calling the product “natural gas.” Apply GRI 6 to its actual identity and state.

Scenario 22 — Mixed gas with substantial hydrogen

The shipment contains hydrocarbons together with a substantial quantity of hydrogen.

Do not classify solely from the presence of methane or propane.

Review the full mixture, actual identity and applicable GIRs.

Common HS Code 2711 classification mistakes

1. Treating “LPG” as a complete HS6 classification

LPG is a commercial description, not a standalone HS6 legal description.

2. Assuming every LPG product is propane

Commercial LPG compositions vary.

3. Assuming every LPG product is butane

Obtain the actual gas composition.

4. Sending every LPG mixture automatically to 2711.19

GRI 6 and the mixture rules must first be applied.

5. Ignoring liquefied versus gaseous state

This is the first subdivision of Heading 2711.

6. Treating compression as liquefaction

A compressed gas may remain in gaseous state.

7. Giving LNG and gaseous natural gas the same HS6 code

2711.11 and 2711.21 are distinct international branches.

8. Assuming a liquefied gas becomes petroleum oil

Heading 2711 expressly provides for liquefied gases.

9. Ignoring Chapter 27 Note 1

Separate chemically defined organic compounds require careful analysis.

10. Sending pure propane to Chapter 29

Pure propane is expressly retained in Heading 2711.

11. Sending pure methane to Chapter 29

Pure methane is also expressly retained in Heading 2711.

12. Treating pure methane automatically as natural gas

The heading is established by the Note, but the HS6 description still requires GRI 6 analysis.

13. Ignoring ethane because no named HS6 line exists

Eligible ethane may fall in an “Other” branch depending on state and purity.

14. Ignoring ethane purity

High-purity separate ethane can require Chapter 29.

15. Assuming every butane product is 2711.13

Individual isomer purity and Chapter 29 must be considered.

16. Using total butanes as though it were n-butane purity

Total isomer content and individual compound purity are not the same measurement.

17. Assuming pure ethylene is 2711.14

High-purity separate ethylene can require 2901.21.

18. Ignoring the 90% propylene boundary

High-purity propylene can require 2901.22.

19. Ignoring butylene or butadiene purity

High-purity separate products can move to Chapter 29.

20. Ignoring the acyclic-isomer mixture rule

Mixtures of isomers require special treatment under Chapter 29 Note 1.

21. Classifying hydrogen under 2711 because it comes from a refinery

Hydrogen is not a hydrocarbon.

22. Classifying CO₂ under 2711 because it comes from natural gas

Carbon dioxide is not a hydrocarbon.

23. Confusing coal gas with petroleum gas

Heading 2705 specifically addresses coal gas and similar gases.

24. Ignoring lighter-refill packaging

Heading 3606 can apply to certain containers not exceeding 300 cm³.

25. Using SDS as the only composition evidence

Broad SDS ranges may not resolve six-digit classification.

26. Copying a supplier HS code without checking purity

The Chapter 27 / Chapter 29 boundary can depend on purity and isomer profile.

27. Selecting 2711.19 before testing the preceding subheadings

“Other” is a residual legal description.

28. Selecting 2711.29 merely because the invoice says “other gas”

The goods must first qualify for Heading 2711.

29. Classifying solely from end use

Fuel use does not establish chemical identity or tariff heading.

30. Stopping at HS6

The destination tariff can subdivide the international six-digit code further.

Building a defensible HS 2711 classification file

Depending on the product, a strong classification file may include:

• exact technical product name;
• commercial grade;
• manufacturer and supplier information;
• production source;
• gas-processing or refinery process description;
• full gas composition;
• mole percentages where available;
• methane percentage;
• ethane percentage;
• propane percentage;
• n-butane percentage;
• isobutane percentage;
• ethylene percentage;
• propylene percentage;
• butylene isomer profile;
• butadiene percentage;
• hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide content;
• purity data;
• isomer composition;
• physical state at presentation;
• pressure and temperature data where useful;
• Certificate of Analysis;
• TDS or product specification;
• SDS;
• shipping documents;
• tank or cylinder specification;
• container capacity where relevant;
• Chapter 27 Note 1 analysis;
• Chapter 29 Note 1 analysis;
• 2705 comparison where relevant;
• 2804 / 2811 comparison for non-hydrocarbon gases;
• 3606 comparison for lighter-refill fuels;
• GRI 1 reasoning;
• GRI 2(b) / GRI 3 analysis where mixtures require it;
• GRI 6 reasoning;
• rejected alternative headings;
• and the destination-country tariff extension.

HS Code 2711 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain use the international Harmonized System foundation for customs classification.

Under HS 2022, the international six-digit structure of Heading 2711 is:

• 2711.11 — Natural gas, liquefied;
• 2711.12 — Propane, liquefied;
• 2711.13 — Butanes, liquefied;
• 2711.14 — Ethylene, propylene, butylene and butadiene, within the liquefied branch;
• 2711.19 — Other, liquefied;
• 2711.21 — Natural gas, in gaseous state;
• 2711.29 — Other, in gaseous state.

The international HS6 code is not necessarily the final declaration code.

National or regional tariff extensions can provide additional digits and more detailed product distinctions.

Separate requirements may also apply to:

• flammable gases;
• dangerous goods;
• gas cylinders;
• bulk storage;
• energy products;
• transport and terminal operations;
• or other regulated activities.

Tariff classification and dangerous-goods or regulatory classification are related compliance issues but are not the same legal determination.

Always verify the current detailed tariff and regulatory requirements in the actual destination: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait or Bahrain.

HS 2028 and Heading 2711

This guide is based on HS 2022, the international edition applicable in 2026.

The World Customs Organization has published the amendments scheduled for the HS 2028 edition, effective internationally from 1 January 2028.

The published recommendation contains amendments within Chapter 27, including changes to the waste-oil structure under Heading 2710.

However, the published HS 2028 recommendation does not list an amendment to Heading 2711 itself.

This does not mean every national tariff extension beneath Heading 2711 will necessarily remain identical.

Each destination's legally effective tariff should still be verified at the time of declaration.

Frequently asked questions about HS Code 2711

Final takeaway

HS Code 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, but the heading cannot be applied reliably from commercial gas names alone.

Under HS 2022, the first international distinction is between liquefied products and products in gaseous state.

The liquefied branch consists of: 2711.11, 2711.12, 2711.13, 2711.14 and 2711.19.

The gaseous-state branch consists of: 2711.21 and 2711.29.

Natural gas therefore has two different international subheadings depending on state.

Pure methane and pure propane are especially important because Chapter 27 expressly retains both compounds in Heading 2711 despite the general exclusion of separately chemically defined organic compounds.

Other hydrocarbons require more careful Chapter 27 / Chapter 29 analysis.

Purity can be decisive.

Important explanatory boundaries include approximately:

• 95% for ethane;
• 95% for ethylene;
• 95% for individual n-butane or isobutane products;
• 90% for propylene;
• and 90% for relevant butylenes and butadienes.

These purity considerations must be applied together with the legal Notes, especially the Chapter 29 rule concerning mixtures of acyclic hydrocarbon isomers.

LPG also requires care because “LPG” is not a standalone international HS6 description.

Propane/butane and other LPG mixtures can require application of GRI 6 together with the mixture principles of the General Rules for Interpretation.

Important competing headings can include:

• 2705 for coal gas and similar gases;
• 2804 for hydrogen;
• 2811 for carbon dioxide;
• 2901 for certain separate acyclic hydrocarbons;
• and 3606 for certain lighter refill fuels.

A strong classification file should therefore rely on evidence such as full gas composition, Certificate of Analysis, purity, individual isomer percentages, physical state, pressure and temperature information, technical specifications, SDS and production information.

These documents support the analysis but do not replace the legal tariff wording, Chapter Notes or General Rules for Interpretation.

Finally, after determining the international HS6 classification, traders dealing with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain should verify the current detailed tariff extension and applicable regulatory requirements in the actual destination.