Product classification

HS code for Artificial casing: 3917.10

Plastics, artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials.

Classification of artificial casing under HS 3917.10

Artificial casings, specifically those used as sausage skins, are classified under HS code 3917.10. This code is designated for artificial guts made from hardened protein or cellulosic materials. These materials are processed to mimic the properties of natural animal intestines while providing uniformity in diameter, strength, and hygiene for industrial food production. The classification depends strictly on the chemical composition of the casing; it must be derived from regenerated cellulose or protein substances like collagen. These products are essential in the meat processing industry for the manufacture of sausages, salamis, and other encased meat products. By placing them in Chapter 39, the Harmonized System recognizes them as products of the plastics and polymer industry, even though they are used exclusively in food applications.

Covers
  • Collagen sausage casings derived from bovine hides
  • Regenerated cellulose casings for hot dogs
  • Fibrous casings for smoked meats
  • Hardened protein casings for snack sticks
  • Large-diameter cellulose casings for bologna
Also under 3917.10
  • Viscofan cellulose casings
  • Devro collagen casings
  • Nitta Casings
  • Fibran fibrous casings

Codes often confused with 3917.10

Common mistake. Artificial casings are often confused with HS code 0504, which covers natural animal guts, bladders, and stomachs. They may also be misclassified under 3917.21 through 3917.39 if the customs officer treats them as standard plastic tubing rather than the specialized food-grade casings defined in 3917.10.

05.04Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish); whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked3917.21Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene3917.39Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 3917.30

Top exporters and importers of HS 391710 (the code used for artificial casing), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391710 (the code used for artificial casing) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 391710, not only artificial casing.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Czechia $507M
  2. 2 Spain $259M
  3. 3 Germany $253M

World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Czechia $272M
  2. 2 United States $203M
  3. 3 Brazil $120M

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 artificial casing

Brazil splits HS 3917.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 3917.10.10Artificial sausage casings of hardened protein
  • 3917.10.21Fibrous cellulose sausage casings, 150 mm or more
  • 3917.10.29Other cellulosic artificial sausage casings

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about artificial casing

What is the HS code for Artificial casing?

The HS code for Artificial casing is 391710 (Plastics; artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials). The HS code for artificial casings made of hardened protein or cellulosic materials is 3917.10.

How do I classify Artificial casing for customs?

Artificial casing is classified under HS code 391710 — Plastics; artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are plastic casings made of polyamide included here?

No, casings made of synthetic plastics like polyamide (nylon) that are not hardened protein or cellulose are typically classified under other subheadings of 3917, such as 3917.32.

Which countries are the top exporters of artificial casing (HS 391710)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391710 (the code used for artificial casing) 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 artificial casing (HS 391710)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 391710 (the code used for artificial casing) 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.

Is the HS code for Artificial casing the same in all countries?

The base HS code 391710 for Artificial casing 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 artificial casing in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 391710 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for artificial casing depends on the product's details: 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).