HS 271121 In gaseous state
Quick Answer: HS code 2711.21 covers natural gas in its gaseous state, a critical energy commodity. This classification specifically excludes liquefied natural gas (LNG), which falls under 2711.11. Across major jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, European Union, and United States, imports of natural gas under 2711.21 generally face a 0.00% or "Free" ad valorem duty rate. Importers and customs brokers should verify the specific duty rate applicable to their origin and destination, as preferential trade agreements or specific national regulations could introduce variations, though this is uncommon for this particular product. The primary trade considerations for natural gas in this form typically revolve around energy policy, supply chain infrastructure (pipelines), and geopolitical factors rather than tariff barriers.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2711210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2711210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2711210000 | 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 271121 cover?
This subheading covers natural gas in a gaseous state, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically under Heading 2711 which encompasses petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. According to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system, HS 271121 is precisely for "Natural gas: In gaseous state." This includes natural gas transported via pipelines or in specialized cryogenic tankers where it is maintained as a gas, rather than liquefied. Its primary composition is methane, but it can also contain varying amounts of other hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon gases.
What falls outside HS 271121?
The following products are excluded from HS 271121: natural gas in a liquefied state, which is classified under HS 271111 ("Natural gas: Liquefied"). This distinction is crucial as the physical state at the time of importation dictates the correct classification. Other petroleum gases, such as propane or butane, even if in a gaseous state, are classified under HS 271129 ("Other") because they are not "natural gas." Furthermore, synthetic natural gas (SNG) or manufactured gas, derived from coal or other feedstocks, would also be excluded from this subheading, as it is not naturally occurring.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 271121?
A common error is misclassifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) as gaseous natural gas, or vice-versa. This often occurs due to a lack of precise understanding of the physical state at the moment of customs clearance. Importers might also incorrectly classify other gaseous hydrocarbons, such as pure methane or ethane, under 271121 instead of 271129, failing to recognize that 271121 is specifically for "natural gas" as a mixture. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is paramount to avoid such errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 271121?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 271121 involves verifying that the product is indeed natural gas and that it is in a gaseous state at the time of importation. Importers and customs brokers should obtain documentation, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, or laboratory analyses, confirming the product's composition and physical state. For natural gas transported via pipeline, its gaseous state is generally self-evident. However, for shipments that might have undergone phase changes, explicit confirmation is vital. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2711 provides further authoritative guidance on the scope and distinctions within this heading, ensuring accurate declaration to customs authorities.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard import duty rates for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in a gaseous state under HS 2711.21?
For HS 2711.21 ('Natural gas, liquefied: In gaseous state'), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major trading blocs. For example, the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, HTSUS) applies a 'Free' rate for general imports. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC) and the United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff) also list a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country via the official customs tariff publications (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact imports of natural gas in a gaseous state (HS 2711.21)?
Yes, due to the generally low or zero MFN duty rates for HS 2711.21, the impact of preferential trade agreements on duty reduction is often minimal or non-existent, as the MFN rate is already 0.00%. However, these agreements can still be crucial for other aspects of trade, such as rules of origin, customs procedures, and non-tariff barriers. For instance, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or various EU Free Trade Agreements, while the duty rate for this specific commodity might remain 0.00%, adherence to rules of origin ensures eligibility for other benefits or confirms compliance. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement and their national customs authority for details on origin requirements and any other applicable provisions.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'natural gas in gaseous state' under HS 2711.21 from other forms of natural gas?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2711.21 is the physical state of the natural gas at the time of importation: it must be 'in gaseous state.' This distinguishes it from 'liquefied natural gas' (LNG) which falls under HS 2711.11 (for LNG in liquid state) or 'petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons' of HS 2711.29 (for other gaseous hydrocarbons not natural gas). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 27 clarify that natural gas consists essentially of methane, often with small amounts of other hydrocarbons. For HS 2711.21, the critical factor is that the product is imported and declared as a gas, typically transported via pipelines, rather than in its cryogenic liquid form (LNG) which is transported by specialized vessels.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing natural gas in a gaseous state under HS 2711.21?
While the duty rate for HS 2711.21 is often 0.00%, standard import documentation is still required for customs clearance and regulatory compliance. This typically includes: a commercial invoice detailing the transaction, a bill of lading or other transport document (e.g., pipeline manifest), a packing list (though less critical for gas), and potentially a certificate of origin if claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement (even if the duty rate is already zero). Additionally, due to the nature of natural gas, importers may need to comply with specific energy regulations, safety standards, environmental permits, and potentially provide measurement data (e.g., volume, energy content) as required by national energy authorities or pipeline operators. Customs brokers should ensure all regulatory body requirements are met in addition to standard customs documentation.