Product classification
HS code for Animal glue: 3503.00
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.
Classification of animal glue under HS 3503.00
Animal glue is classified under HS code 350300, which specifically includes gelatin and its derivatives, isinglass, and other glues of animal origin. This classification is based on the chemical composition and the extraction process of the product. Animal glues are typically protein-based adhesives derived from the hydrolysis of collagen found in animal hides, connective tissues, and bones. The Harmonized System groups these products together because they share a common biological origin and manufacturing methodology, involving the boiling of animal parts to extract gelatinous substances. Heading 350300 is distinct because it covers the raw or refined protein substance before it is formulated into a specific retail-ready adhesive. Whether the product is in the form of sheets, flakes, or powder, and regardless of whether it is intended for industrial woodworking, bookbinding, or as a clarifying agent in beverages (isinglass), it remains within this heading. The classification excludes casein-based glues, which are derived from milk and have their own dedicated heading in the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Bone glue and hide glue
- Technical gelatin
- Edible gelatin (in various forms)
- Isinglass (derived from fish bladders)
- Gelatin derivatives
- Fish glues
- Also under 3503.00
Rousselot gelatin, Gelita gelatin, Nitta Gelatin, Dr. Oetker gelatin, Isinglass Co. finings
Codes often confused with 3503.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 350190, which covers casein glues. While both are animal-derived, casein is a milk protein, whereas 350300 covers collagen-derived proteins. Another frequent error is using 350610 for products put up for retail sale as glue. If the animal glue is packaged in small quantities (not exceeding 1 kg) for retail sale as an adhesive, it may move to heading 3506.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350300 (the code used for animal glue), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350300 (the code used for animal glue) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 350300, not only animal glue.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $302M 15% of world exports
- 2 China $270M 14% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $269M 14% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $273M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $251M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $93M 4.4% 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 animal glue
Brazil splits HS 3503.00 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3503.00.11Ossein gelatin, purity 99.98% or more
- 3503.00.12Ossein gelatin, purity less than 99.98%
- 3503.00.19Other gelatin and gelatin derivatives
- 3503.00.90Isinglass and other animal glues
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about animal glue
What is the HS code for Animal glue?
The HS code for Animal glue is 350300 (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). The HS code for animal-origin glues, including gelatin and isinglass, is 350300.
How do I classify Animal glue for customs?
Animal glue is classified under HS code 350300 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is edible gelatin classified differently than industrial animal glue?
No, both edible and industrial-grade gelatin are classified under heading 350300, although they may fall under different national-level statistical subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of animal glue (HS 350300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350300 (the code used for animal glue) 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.
Which countries are the top importers of animal glue (HS 350300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350300 (the code used for animal glue) 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.
Is the HS code for Animal glue the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350300 for Animal glue 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 animal glue in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 350300 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for animal glue depends on the product's details: 3503.00.11 (Ossein gelatin, purity 99.98% or more), 3503.00.12 (Ossein gelatin, purity less than 99.98%), 3503.00.19 (Other gelatin and gelatin derivatives), 3503.00.90 (Isinglass and other animal glues).