Product classification
HS code for Isinglass: 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 isinglass under HS 3503.00
Isinglass is a substance obtained from the dried swim bladders of fish, primarily sturgeon, though other species are also used. It is a form of collagen that has historically been used for the clarification or fining of beer and wine. In the Harmonized System (HS), isinglass is classified under heading 3503. This heading is dedicated to gelatin and its derivatives, isinglass, and other glues of animal origin. The classification logic rests on the chemical nature of the product; it is a proteinaceous substance derived from animal tissues. Unlike crude fish waste, isinglass has undergone a level of preparation—drying and sometimes mechanical processing—that aligns it with other refined animal proteins used for technical or food-processing purposes. It is distinct from casein glues (3501) and albumin (3502) due to its specific source and collagen structure. Even when presented in liquid or sheet form for industrial use, it remains within 3503.00 because the HS nomenclature groups these animal-derived clarifying agents together based on their chemical composition and functional properties.
- Covers
- Dried fish swim bladders prepared as isinglass
- Liquid isinglass finings for brewing
- Isinglass sheets for culinary clarification
- Isinglass flocculants used in winemaking
- Also under 3503.00
Rousselot gelatin, Gelita gelatin, Nitta Gelatin, Dr. Oetker gelatin, Isinglass Co. finings
Codes often confused with 3503.00
Common mistake. Isinglass is frequently misclassified under HS code 0511.91, which covers fish waste or products of fish. However, because isinglass is a prepared proteinaceous substance, heading 3503 is more specific. It is also sometimes confused with 3501 (casein) or 3504 (peptones), but these are derived from milk or different protein sources respectively.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350300 (the code used for isinglass), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350300 (the code used for isinglass) 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 isinglass.
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 isinglass
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 isinglass
What is the HS code for Isinglass?
The HS code for Isinglass 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 isinglass is 3503.00, which covers gelatin, gelatin derivatives, and isinglass.
How do I classify Isinglass for customs?
Isinglass 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 isinglass considered a food-grade product?
Yes, isinglass is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a clarifying agent, particularly in traditional brewing and winemaking processes.
Which countries are the top exporters of isinglass (HS 350300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350300 (the code used for isinglass) 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 isinglass (HS 350300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350300 (the code used for isinglass) 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 Isinglass the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350300 for Isinglass 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 isinglass in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 350300 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for isinglass 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).