Petroleum crude oil Hs Code

Petroleum crude oil harmonized system code

Product Overview Petroleum crude oil classified under HS Code 270900 refers to unrefined liquid hydrocarbons extracted directly from geological formations. This product is characterized by its complex mixture of hydrocarbons, including paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics, with physical properties such as API gravity typically ranging from 10 to 45 degrees and sulfur content varying according to crude type (sweet or sour). It is generally supplied in its raw form without significant processing, maintaining essential qualities such as viscosity, density, and acid number that influence refining efficiency. The HS Code 270900 encompasses varied subcategories including light crude oils, heavy crude oils, and bituminous minerals in liquid state, each differentiated by their chemical composition and physical parameters. Commercially, petroleum crude oil serves as the foundational feedstock for downstream petrochemical industries, refining into fuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel), lubricants, and other chemical intermediates. Its widespread application spans sectors such as energy production, manufacturing, and transportation, underpinning global industrial and economic activity. The product’s market positioning is grounded in its role as a critical raw material, with competitive advantage derived from its grade specificity, availability, and compliance with international trading standards. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The HS Code 270900 is situated within Chapter 27 (Mineral Fuels, Mineral Oils and Products of Their Distillation), Heading 2709 (Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude), and Subheading 270900 (Petroleum crude oil). This hierarchical structure reflects the product’s classification as a primary, unprocessed petroleum product distinguished from refined oils and other derivatives. The assignment to 270900 is based on the product’s origin, chemical composition, and state, complying with the Harmonized System’s criteria for crude petroleum oils. Trade considerations for petroleum crude oil include shipment in bulk carriers or ISO tank containers designed to meet international maritime safety and environmental protocols, with preservation measures addressing stability and contamination prevention. Packaging is typically minimal, focusing on secure loading and unloading systems compatible with terminal infrastructure. Quality standards are governed by international benchmarks such as ASTM D4294 for sulfur content and API gravity measurements, ensuring conformity with import/export regulations and WTO trade facilitation agreements. Documentation accompanying shipments must accurately reflect the HS code and product specifications to support customs clearance and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.

Petroleum crude oil Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Separate chemically defined organic compounds, other than pure methane and propane which are to be classified in heading 27.11; (b) Medicaments of heading 30.03 or 30.04; or (c) Mixed unsaturated hydrocarbons of heading 33.01, 33.02 or 38.05. 2.- References in heading 27.10 to “petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals” include not only petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals but also similar oils, as well as those consisting mainly of mixed unsaturated hydrocarbons, obtained by any process, provided that the weight of the non-aromatic constituents exceeds that of the aromatic constituents. However, the references do not include liquid synthetic polyolefins of which less than 60 % by volume distils at 300 C, after conversion to 1,013 millibars when a reduced-pressure distillation method is used (Chapter 39). 3.- For the purposes of heading 27.10, “waste oils” means waste containing mainly petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (as described in Note 2 to this Chapter), whether or not mixed with water. These include : (a) Such oils no longer fit for use as primary products (for example, used lubricating oils, used hydraulic oils and used transformer oils); (b) Sludge oils from the storage tanks of petroleum oils, mainly containing such oils and a high concentration of additives (for example, chemicals) used in the manufacture of the primary products; and (c) Such oils in the form of emulsions in water or mixtures with water, such as those resulting from oil spills, storage tank washings, or from the use of cutting oils for machining operations.