Product classification
HS code for Acid treated bones: 0506.10
Animal products, ossein and bones treated with acid.
Classification of acid treated bones under HS 0506.10
Acid treated bones, also known as ossein, are classified under HS code 0506.10. This classification falls within Chapter 5, which covers products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 0506 specifically includes bones and horn-cores, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to shape), degelatinized, or treated with acid. The sub-heading 0506.10 is dedicated to ossein and bones treated with acid. This process involves treating bones with dilute hydrochloric acid to remove the mineral matter, primarily calcium phosphates, leaving behind the organic matrix known as collagen. This material is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of high-quality gelatin and bone glue. The classification is straightforward as it describes the physical state and the specific chemical treatment the animal product has undergone. It is important to note that the bones must not be worked beyond simple preparation; if they are cut to specific shapes or further manufactured, they would likely fall under Chapter 96 for worked bone articles. The treatment with acid is a defining characteristic that separates this product from standard bone meal or crushed bones used in fertilizers.
- Covers
- Ossein (acid-treated bone collagen)
- Bones treated with hydrochloric acid
- Degelatinized bones (acid-treated)
- Acid-treated bone scrap for gelatin production
- Demineralized bone matrix (bulk)
- Also under 0506.10
- Rousselot (gelatin manufacturer)
- Gelita (gelatin manufacturer)
- Nitta Gelatin (gelatin manufacturer)
Codes often confused with 0506.10
Common mistake. Acid treated bones are often confused with HS code 0506.90, which covers "other" bones and horn-cores that have not been treated with acid, such as simple crushed bone or defatted bone. Another common misclassification is HS code 3503.00, which is the code for finished gelatin. While ossein is the precursor to gelatin, it remains in Chapter 5 until it has been further processed into the protein substance itself. Additionally, bone meal used as fertilizer may be misclassified under 3101.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050610 (the code used for acid treated bones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050610 (the code used for acid treated bones) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 54% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 050610, not only acid treated bones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $11M 35% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $9.7M 30% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $5.6M 17% of world exports
World total: $33M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $24M 54% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.8M 20% of world imports
- 3 India $5.1M 11% of world imports
World total: $45M 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 code for acid treated bones
Brazil classifies acid treated bones under NCM 0506.10.00: HS 0506.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acid treated bones
What is the HS code for Acid treated bones?
The HS code for Acid treated bones is 050610 (Animal products; ossein and bones treated with acid). The HS code for acid treated bones, specifically ossein, is 0506.10.
How do I classify Acid treated bones for customs?
Acid treated bones is classified under HS code 050610 — Animal products; ossein and bones treated with acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary use of acid treated bones?
Acid treated bones are primarily used as the raw material for the manufacture of gelatin, which is used in food, pharmaceutical, and photographic industries.
Which countries are the top exporters of acid treated bones (HS 050610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050610 (the code used for acid treated bones) in UN Comtrade data were India ($11M, 35% of world exports), Belgium ($9.7M) and Thailand ($5.6M). World exports came to about $33M, 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 acid treated bones (HS 050610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050610 (the code used for acid treated bones) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($24M, 54% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($8.8M) and India ($5.1M). World imports came to about $45M, 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.
Is the HS code for Acid treated bones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050610 for Acid treated bones is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for acid treated bones in Brazil?
In Brazil, acid treated bones (HS 050610) is classified under NCM 0506.10.00.