Product classification
HS code for Animal guts: 0504.00
Animal products, guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked.
Classification of animal guts under HS 0504.00
HS code 050400 is assigned to guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals, excluding those from fish. This classification covers these animal products in various states of preservation, including fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried, or smoked, whether whole or in pieces. These items are typically processed for industrial applications, such as the manufacture of sausage casings, or for pharmaceutical purposes. The exclusion of fish products is a key delineator, as fish guts and similar products are generally classified under Chapter 3. This heading specifically addresses non-edible or specially prepared animal organs that are not considered "meat and edible meat offal" of Chapter 2, focusing on their use as raw materials for further processing.
- Covers
- Hog casings (intestines used for sausages)
- Sheep casings
- Bovine stomachs (tripe), if intended for industrial use or further processing beyond direct edible meat offal
- Animal bladders, typically used for sausage making or as containers
- Dried animal intestines for various industrial applications.
- Also under 0504.00
- Natural sausage casings used by artisanal butchers
- large-scale food processors like Johnsonville
- specific animal bladders for traditional crafts
Codes often confused with 0504.00
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with products classified under Chapter 2, "Meat and edible meat offal," particularly HS 0206, which covers edible offal of bovine, swine, sheep, goats, horses, asses, mules, or hinnies. The distinction lies in the primary intended use and the nature of the product; 050400 generally covers guts, bladders, and stomachs used for casings or other industrial purposes, even if technically edible, whereas 0206 is for offal primarily intended for direct human consumption as meat. Fish guts and similar products are classified under Chapter 3, specifically HS 0305 for dried, salted or in brine fish, or other headings depending on their preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050400 (the code used for animal guts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050400 (the code used for animal guts) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 050400, not only animal guts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $955M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $560M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $415M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $705M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $564M 12% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $320M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 guts
Brazil splits HS 0504.00 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0504.00.11Bovine guts
- 0504.00.12Sheep guts
- 0504.00.13Swine guts
- 0504.00.19Guts of other animals, excluding fish
- 0504.00.90Animal bladders and stomachs, excluding fish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about animal guts
What is the HS code for Animal guts?
The HS code for Animal guts is 050400 (Animal products; guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked). The HS code for guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (other than fish), in various preserved states, is 050400.
How do I classify Animal guts for customs?
Animal guts is classified under HS code 050400 — Animal products; guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fish guts classified under HS 050400?
No, HS 050400 explicitly excludes guts, bladders, and stomachs of fish. Fish products are generally classified under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System.
Which countries are the top exporters of animal guts (HS 050400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050400 (the code used for animal guts) in UN Comtrade data were China ($955M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($560M) and Germany ($415M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 guts (HS 050400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050400 (the code used for animal guts) in UN Comtrade data were China ($705M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($564M) and Mexico ($320M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 guts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050400 for Animal guts 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 guts in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 050400 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for animal guts depends on the product's details: 0504.00.11 (Bovine guts), 0504.00.12 (Sheep guts), 0504.00.13 (Swine guts), 0504.00.19 (Guts of other animals, excluding fish), 0504.00.90 (Animal bladders and stomachs, excluding fish).