HS 271111 Liquefied
Quick Answer: HS code 2711.11 covers liquefied natural gas (LNG), a critical energy commodity. This classification specifically applies to natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for ease of storage and transport. Across major jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States, imports of products under 2711.11 generally face a 0.00% or "Free" ad valorem duty rate. This reflects a global consensus on facilitating trade in essential energy resources. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific country-of-origin rules and any potential non-tariff barriers, though the primary trade consideration for LNG remains its strategic importance and global supply chain dynamics rather than tariff costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2711110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2711110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2711110000 | Free | — | ["m<sup>3</sup>"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 271111 cover?
This subheading covers natural gas, liquefied, specifically methane. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 2711 encompasses petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. Subheading 2711.11 is dedicated to "Natural gas, liquefied," which primarily refers to methane that has been cooled to approximately -162°C (-260°F) at atmospheric pressure, reducing its volume by a factor of about 600. This process facilitates its storage and transport, making it a crucial energy commodity. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, classifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) under this specific code, distinguishing it from other forms of natural gas or petroleum gases.
What falls outside HS 271111?
The following products are excluded from HS 271111: natural gas in its gaseous state, which is classified under HS 2711.21. Other petroleum gases and gaseous hydrocarbons, such as propane and butane, whether liquefied or not, are also excluded and fall under different subheadings within Heading 2711 (e.g., 2711.12 for propane, liquefied; 2711.13 for butane, liquefied; 2711.14 for ethylene, propylene, butylene, and butadiene, liquefied). Mixtures of natural gas with other hydrocarbons, if the other hydrocarbons impart the essential character, might also be classified elsewhere, typically under the subheading corresponding to the predominant component or the component giving the mixture its essential character, according to General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 271111?
A common error is misclassifying natural gas that is not liquefied under HS 271111. Importers sometimes confuse gaseous natural gas (HS 2711.21) with its liquefied form, leading to incorrect tariff declarations. Another frequent mistake involves classifying mixtures containing liquefied natural gas but where another component, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), provides the essential character. In such cases, General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) dictates that the mixture should be classified under the heading of the material or component which gives them their essential character. For instance, a mixture predominantly composed of liquefied propane, even if it contains some LNG, would likely fall under HS 2711.12, not 2711.11.
How should importers classify products under HS 271111?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 271111 involves verifying that the product is indeed natural gas and that it is in a liquefied state. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review product specifications, including temperature, pressure, and chemical composition, to confirm it is primarily methane cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2711 is crucial for detailed guidance. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the product is not a mixture where another hydrocarbon imparts the essential character. In cases of doubt, obtaining a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs authorities in the EU) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.
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FAQ
What is the Harmonized System (HS) classification for 'Liquefied natural gas' (LNG)?
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is classified under Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2711.11. This subheading specifically covers 'Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: Liquefied: Natural gas'. This classification is consistent across the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2711.11 (Liquefied natural gas) in major importing regions?
For HS 2711.11, 'Liquefied natural gas', the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are generally very low or free in major economies. For example, the MFN duty rate in the United States (USITC HTSUS) is 0.00% ad valorem. Similarly, the MFN duty rate under the EU TARIC and the UK Trade Tariff is also 0.00% ad valorem (Free). Importers should always verify the current rates directly from the official tariff schedules of the importing country.
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact imports of HS 2711.11 (Liquefied natural gas)?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2711.11 are typically 0.00% (Free) in many major markets, the impact of preferential trade agreements on duty rates is often negligible for this specific commodity. However, preferential agreements can still be relevant for other aspects such as rules of origin, quotas, or non-tariff barriers. For instance, while the duty rate might remain 0.00%, compliance with rules of origin under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or various EU Free Trade Agreements would still be necessary to claim any potential benefits, even if the duty rate is already free. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement and the importing country's tariff schedule for any applicable preferential provisions.
What documentation is typically required for importing Liquefied natural gas (HS 2711.11)?
Importing Liquefied natural gas (LNG) under HS 2711.11 typically requires standard customs documentation, including a commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list, and a certificate of origin. Due to the nature of the product, additional documentation related to safety, transportation, and environmental compliance may be required by specific national authorities. This could include safety data sheets (SDS), permits for handling hazardous materials, and compliance certificates for storage and transport facilities. Importers should consult the specific regulatory agencies and customs authorities in the importing country for a comprehensive list of requirements.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing HS 2711.11 'Liquefied natural gas' from other petroleum gases?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2711.11 is that the product must be 'natural gas' and it must be in a 'liquefied' state. Natural gas, as defined in the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, consists mainly of methane. This distinguishes it from other liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) such as propane and butane, which are classified under HS 2711.12 ('Propane') or HS 2711.13 ('Butanes'), or HS 2711.19 ('Other'). The 'liquefied' aspect means it has been cooled to a cryogenic temperature to convert it into a liquid for easier storage and transport. Customs brokers and importers must ensure that the product's composition and physical state precisely match the description for HS 2711.11 to avoid misclassification.