About HS Code 391710
This specific HS code covers artificial guts, primarily used as sausage casings, made from hardened protein or cellulosic materials. These are not traditional plastic polymers in the sense of polyethylene or PVC, but rather processed natural or semi-synthetic materials designed to mimic natural animal casings. Importers are predominantly food processing companies, particularly those in the meat and sausage production industry, seeking consistent, hygienic, and cost-effective alternatives to natural casings. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of food-grade packaging and processing aids. The trade is driven by food safety regulations, consumer demand for specific product textures, and the efficiency of large-scale food production. Key aspects include permeability, strength, diameter consistency, and suitability for various cooking and smoking processes. These casings play a vital role in modern food manufacturing, ensuring product integrity and shelf life.
Products Under This Code
Collagen sausage casings, Cellulose sausage casings, Fibrous casings, Viscose casings, Regenerated cellulose casings, Edible protein casings, Non-edible fibrous casings
Real World Examples
Viscofan cellulose casings, Devro collagen casings, Nitta Casings, Fibran fibrous casings
Common Misclassification
This code can be confused with other food packaging materials (e.g., 392329 for other plastic bags/sacks) or with natural animal guts (e.g., 050400) if not clearly identified as artificial.
Products Classified Under 3917.10
Industry
This code belongs to the Plastics & Rubber industry.
Trade Overview
Germany, USA, and China are major importers, while China, Germany, and Spain are key exporters of artificial sausage casings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 391710?
HS code 391710 covers: Plastics; artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials. This specific HS code covers artificial guts, primarily used as sausage casings, made from hardened protein or cellulosic materials. These are not traditional plastic polymers in the sense of polyethylene or PVC, but rather processed natural or semi-synthetic materials designed to mimic natural animal casings. Importers are predominantly food processing companies, particularly those in the meat and sausage production industry, seeking consistent, hygienic, and cost-effective alternatives to natural casings. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of food-grade packaging and processing aids. The trade is driven by food safety regulations, consumer demand for specific product textures, and the efficiency of large-scale food production. Key aspects include permeability, strength, diameter consistency, and suitability for various cooking and smoking processes. These casings play a vital role in modern food manufacturing, ensuring product integrity and shelf life.
What products fall under HS code 391710?
Collagen sausage casings, Cellulose sausage casings, Fibrous casings, Viscose casings, Regenerated cellulose casings, Edible protein casings, Non-edible fibrous casings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391710?
This code can be confused with other food packaging materials (e.g., 392329 for other plastic bags/sacks) or with natural animal guts (e.g., 050400) if not clearly identified as artificial.
How is HS code 391710 structured?
HS code 391710 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.