Product classification
HS code for Gelatin: 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 gelatin under HS 3503.00
Gelatin is classified under HS code 3503.00, which covers gelatin and its derivatives, isinglass, and other glues of animal origin. Gelatin is a protein product derived from the partial hydrolysis of collagen, which is found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals such as cattle, pigs, and fish. The classification 3503.00 is a 'single-dash' subheading that encompasses a wide range of gelatin types regardless of their end-use, provided they meet the chemical definition of gelatin. This includes edible gelatin used in the food industry for gelling, thickening, or stabilizing; pharmaceutical gelatin used for making hard and soft capsules; and photographic gelatin used in the manufacture of light-sensitive emulsions. The code also covers gelatin in various physical forms, such as rectangular sheets (including square sheets), whether or not surface-worked or colored, as well as powders, granules, and flakes. Derivatives of gelatin, such as gelatin tannate or other chemically modified versions, also fall under this heading. It is important to note that this heading excludes casein glues (3501) and prepared glues or other prepared adhesives (3505 or 3506). The purity and Bloom strength are characteristics that define the quality of the gelatin but do not typically change the HS code classification at the six-digit level.
- Covers
- Edible gelatin powder and granules
- Pharmaceutical grade gelatin for capsules
- Photographic gelatin for film emulsions
- Gelatin sheets for culinary use
- Isinglass (clarifying agent derived from fish)
- Also under 3503.00
Rousselot gelatin, Gelita gelatin, Nitta Gelatin, Dr. Oetker gelatin, Isinglass Co. finings
Codes often confused with 3503.00
Common mistake. Gelatin is often misclassified under HS code 1302.39 or 1302.31 (Agar-agar). While Agar-agar is a 'vegetable gelatin,' it is derived from seaweed and belongs in Chapter 13, whereas animal-derived gelatin belongs in Chapter 35. Another common error is 2106.90 (food preparations), but since gelatin is a specifically named substance in 3503.00, it must be classified there even if intended for food use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350300 (the code used for gelatin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350300 (the code used for gelatin) 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 gelatin.
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 gelatin
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 gelatin
What is the HS code for Gelatin?
The HS code for Gelatin 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-derived gelatin and its derivatives is 3503.00.
How do I classify Gelatin for customs?
Gelatin 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 vegetable gelatin classified under 3503.00?
No, vegetable-based gelling agents like Agar-agar or Pectin are classified under heading 1302, as they are plant extracts rather than animal proteins.
Which countries are the top exporters of gelatin (HS 350300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350300 (the code used for gelatin) 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 gelatin (HS 350300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350300 (the code used for gelatin) 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 Gelatin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350300 for Gelatin 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 gelatin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 350300 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for gelatin 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).