Product classification
HS code for Sausage casing: 3917.10
Plastics, artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials.
Classification of sausage casing under HS 3917.10
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 3917.10
- Viscofan cellulose casings
- Devro collagen casings
- Nitta Casings
- Fibran fibrous casings
Codes often confused with 3917.10
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391710 (the code used for sausage casing), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391710 (the code used for sausage 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 sausage casing.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $507M 24% of world exports
- 2 Spain $259M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $253M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $272M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $203M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $120M 5.6% 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 sausage 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 sausage casing
What is the HS code for Sausage casing?
The HS code for Sausage casing is 391710 (Plastics; artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials). Artificial sausage casings made of protein or cellulose are classified under HS code 3917.10.
How do I classify Sausage casing for customs?
Sausage 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 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of sausage casing (HS 391710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391710 (the code used for sausage 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 sausage casing (HS 391710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391710 (the code used for sausage 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 Sausage casing the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391710 for Sausage 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 sausage casing in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 391710 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for sausage 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).