Propane|HTS Code

Propane harmonized system code

Product Overview Propane (HTS 2711.12) is a petroleum‑derived gaseous hydrocarbon (chemical formula C3H8; molar mass ≈ 44.10 g·mol−1) marketed as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for transport and distribution. It has a normal boiling point of −42.1 °C and is maintained as a compressed or refrigerated liquid in bulk tanks and as pressurized cylinders for retail. Key characteristics recorded on trade documentation include propane concentration (% v/v or wt%), vapor pressure, Wobbe index, dew point, sulfur and water content (ppm), and odorant status. Processing/quality levels are differentiated into industrial/chemical grade (feedstock), commercial fuel grade, and retail/odorized grades (including US motor‑fuel HD‑5 specification distinctions at the national level). Product classifications within 2711.12 are commonly subdivided at national tariff extensions to separate odorized vs non‑odorized product, fuel vs chemical feedstock, and packaged (cylinders/tonne containers) versus bulk ISO/tank shipments. Primary commercial applications are residential/commercial heating and cooking, autogas (vehicle fuel), petrochemical feedstock (propylene production), industrial burners, crop drying and distributed power generation. HTS Code Classification & Trade Specifications HTS 2711.12 is the 6‑digit subheading located in Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation), Heading 2711 (Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons) and specifically designates propane. The classification rationale is its origin as a petroleum gaseous hydrocarbon predominantly composed of C3H8 supplied liquefied for transport. For US customs duty calculation importers must map this 6‑digit code to the appropriate 8‑ and 10‑digit HTSUS national subheadings that capture distinctions affecting duty rates and trade remedies (e.g., odorized vs non‑odorized, fuel vs chemical grade). Trade considerations include common packaging (ISO tank containers, pressurized tank trucks/rail cars, DOT/UN cylinders), mandatory shipping identification (UN1978, PROPANE; Class 2.1 flammable gas), placarding, SDS/emergency response documentation and conformity with NFPA 58, ASTM and relevant CGA/ISO standards. Required quality documentation for customs and buyers typically comprises a COA with GC composition (% propane, propylene, butane), vapor pressure, Wobbe index, dew point and impurity (sulfur, water) ppm values.

Propane 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.