HS Code 35.03 – Gelatin (including gelatin in rectangular sheets, whether or not surface-worked or coloured) and gelatin derivatives; isinglass; other glues of animal origin, excluding casein glues of heading no. 3501

HS code 3503 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Gelatin (including gelatin in rectangular sheets, whether or not surface-worked or coloured) and gelatin derivatives; isinglass; other glues of animal origin, excluding casein glues of heading no. 3501. Heading 3503 covers "Gelatin (including gelatin in rectangular sheets, whether or not surface-worked or coloured) and gelatin derivatives; isinglass; other glues of animal origin, excluding casein glues of heading no. 3501." This classification encompasses a broad range of protein-based products primarily derived from collagen. Gelatin, obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen from animal bones, hides, and connective tissues, is a key component. It includes all forms of gelatin, from edible powders and sheets to pharmaceutical and industrial grades, whether colored or surface-worked. Isinglass, a specific type of gelatin derived from fish bladders, is also explicitly included. Crucially, this heading also covers "other glues of animal origin" such as bone glue and hide glue, but it explicitly *excludes casein glues*, which are classified under 3501. This distinction is vital for accurate trade classification. Gelatin's applications are diverse: in the food industry (desserts, confectionery, emulsifiers), pharmaceuticals (capsule shells, medical sponges), photography, and various industrial uses (adhesives, binders, clarifying agents). Compliance with this heading is essential for tariffs, and for food-grade or pharmaceutical products, it necessitates adherence to strict health and safety regulations, including origin and processing standards. This heading is a fundamental part of Chapter 35, highlighting its role as an albuminoidal substance and glue.

Edible gelatin powder, pharmaceutical grade gelatin capsules, photographic gelatin, industrial technical gelatin, sheet gelatin for cooking, flavored gelatin mixes (if primary component is gelatin), isinglass (fish glue), bone glue, hide glue, animal skin glue, collagen peptides (if used as a glue/binder), gelatin derivatives for cosmetics, gelatin for wine fining, gelatin for beer fining, gelatin for ballistic gel, gummy candy ingredients (gelatin), marshmallow ingredients (gelatin), gelatin for microencapsulation, hydrolysed collagen (if primarily used as a glue or binder), gelatin sponges, gelatin films.

A frequent misclassification error is confusing gelatin with other glues or finished products. The heading explicitly excludes casein glues (3501), so traders must differentiate animal glues based on their protein origin. Another mistake is classifying finished food products like gummy candies or marshmallows under 3503; while gelatin is a primary ingredient, the finished confectionery falls under 1704 (Sugar confectionery). Similarly, collagen peptides not primarily intended as a glue or binder might be classified under other headings, such as 3504. The key is the form (gelatin, isinglass) or the primary function as an 'animal glue' (excluding casein glues).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3503 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($302M, 15% of world exports), China ($270M) and Brazil ($269M). World exports came to about $2.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3503 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($273M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($251M) and Japan ($93M). World imports came to about $2.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 3503 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 35 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.