Crude oil|HTS Code

Crude oil harmonized system code

Product Overview Crude oil under HTS 2709.00 is unrefined petroleum liquid extracted from subsurface reservoirs, consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and associated compounds. Key measurable characteristics used in trade and classification include API gravity (light >31.1°API, medium 22.3–31.1°API, heavy <22.3°API), sulfur content (wt%; sweet <0.5%, sour ≥0.5%), density at 15°C (kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (cSt at 40°C), total acid number (TAN, mg KOH/g), water and sediment (% vol), salts (ppm) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S ppm). Processing level is crude (untreated or stabilized to remove free gas/water) rather than fractionated or blended refined products. Subcategories within HTS 2709.00 are commonly differentiated commercially by API gravity, sulfur class and origin (conventional, condensate, shale condensate, heavy/extra‑heavy). Commercial applications include primary refinery feedstock, petrochemical feedstock, blending stocks for fuel manufacture, industrial fuel supply and intermediate stocks for maritime bunkering processes. Assay reports, SDS and standardized test results support specification and contractual performance for import/export compliance. HTS Code Classification & Trade Specifications Full 6‑digit HTS entry 270900 (commonly shown as 2709.00) is in Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation) under Heading 2709 (Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude). Classification rationale: the product is a primary hydrocarbon liquid not further distilled into distinct refined fractions, aligning with HS Explanatory Notes that separate crude (2709) from refined distillates (headings 2710–2712). For U.S. customs duty calculation the 6‑digit code provides the base classification and is further subdivided at the 8‑ and 10‑digit HTSUS levels for duty rates, statistical reporting and quota considerations; importers should verify current HTSUS subheadings. Trade considerations: shipment is predominantly bulk (tankers, pipelines, ISO tanks, tank trucks), UN 1267 designation and IMO/IMDG Class 3 controls apply, and preservation measures include stabilization, demulsification, inert gas blanketing and H2S monitoring. Required documentation typically includes commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, assay/certificate of quality (API gravity, sulfur wt%, TAN, water & sediment, salts), SDS and supporting ASTM/ISO test references (e.g., ASTM D86, D1298, D445, D664).

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.