HS Code for Sausage casing

Artificial sausage casings are classified under HS code 3917.10. This classification falls under Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3917 specifically covers tubes, pipes, and hoses of plastics. The subheading 3917.10 is a specialized category for "artificial guts" or sausage casings made from hardened protein or cellulosic materials. These products are manufactured to replicate the function of natural animal intestines in the food industry. The classification is determined by the material composition—typically regenerated cellulose or collagen derived from animal hides—and the product's specific tubular form intended for food stuffing. Because these items are highly processed and manufactured from polymers or proteins, they are treated as plastic articles rather than animal products, provided they meet the technical definitions of hardened protein or cellulosic materials set forth in the HS Explanatory Notes.

Products Included

• Collagen sausage casings derived from bovine or porcine hides
• Cellulose casings used for high-speed frankfurter production
• Fibrous casings made from cellulose reinforced with specialty paper
• Hardened protein casings for snack sticks and dry sausages
• Plastic-based artificial guts for large-diameter bologna

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 0504.00, which covers natural animal guts, bladders, and stomachs. Natural casings are biological products of animal origin, whereas 3917.10 is strictly for manufactured artificial versions. Another common error involves HS code 3917.32 or 3917.39, which covers other plastic tubes and hoses. While sausage casings are technically tubes, the specificity of 3917.10 for "artificial guts" takes precedence over more general plastic tube classifications. Additionally, textile-based casings might be misclassified under Chapter 63, but if they are coated with plastic, they may still fall under 3917.

FAQ

What is the HS code for sausage casing?

Artificial sausage casings made of protein or cellulose are classified under HS code 3917.10.

Are natural animal casings classified under the same code?

No, natural animal casings are classified under HS code 0504.00, as they are considered animal products rather than manufactured plastic articles.