HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3917.10 – Plastics; artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials
HS code 3917.10 is the 6-digit subheading for plastics, artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials. It is used for collagen sausage casings, cellulose sausage casings, fibrous casings, viscose casings and regenerated cellulose casings.
What HS 3917.10 covers
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.
- Covers
- Collagen sausage casings
- Cellulose sausage casings
- Fibrous casings
- Viscose casings
- Regenerated cellulose casings
- Edible protein casings
- Non-edible fibrous casings
- Examples
- Viscofan cellulose casings
- Devro collagen casings
- Nitta Casings
- Fibran fibrous casings
Codes often confused with 3917.10
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391710, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391710 in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $507M 24% of world exports
- 2 Spain $259M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $253M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $272M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $203M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $120M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3917.10 3
Brazil splits HS 3917.10 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3917.10.10 Artificial sausage casings of hardened proteinDe proteínas endurecidas
- 3917.10.2 Of cellulosic plasticsDe plástico celulósico Group
- 3917.10.21 Fibrous cellulose sausage casings, 150 mm or moreFibrosas, de celulose regenerada, de diâmetro igual ou superior a 150 mm
- 3917.10.29 Other cellulosic artificial sausage casingsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3917.10
What is HS code 391710?
HS code 391710 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391710?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391710 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($507M, 24% of world exports), Spain ($259M) and Germany ($253M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 391710?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391710 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($272M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($203M) and Brazil ($120M). 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.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391710?
Brazil splits HS code 391710 into 3 NCM codes: 3917.10.10 (Artificial sausage casings of hardened protein), 3917.10.21 (Fibrous cellulose sausage casings, 150 mm or more), 3917.10.29 (Other cellulosic artificial sausage casings). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.