Gelatin (including gelatin in rectangular (including square) sheets, whether or not surfaceworked or colored) and gelatin derivatives; isinglass; other glues of animal origin, excluding casein glues of heading 3501
6 declarable lines
Heading 3503 covers gelatin, including gelatin sheets, gelatin derivatives, isinglass, fish glue, and other glues of animal origin. It excludes casein glues of heading 3501. The heading splits by product type: fish glue, inedible gelatin and animal glue by value per kg, and other gelatin by use such as edible, photographic, or other.
Products in this heading
- Edible gelatin powder for food use
- Gelatin sheets for baking and confectionery
- Photographic gelatin
- Fish glue
- Animal glue for woodworking
- Inedible technical gelatin
- Isinglass
How to choose the right subheading
- Identify the material first: gelatin, gelatin derivative, isinglass, fish glue, or another animal glue.
- For gelatin and animal glue, decide whether the product is edible, photographic, or other.
- For inedible gelatin and animal glue, check the value per kg against the 88 cents per kg threshold.
- Classify fish glue separately from other animal glues.
- Use the residual other line only when no more specific line in heading 3503 applies.
Often confused with
- Heading 3501Casein glue
Casein glues are named in heading 3501 and are excluded from 3503.
- Heading 3502Albumin and albumin derivatives
Albumins are classified in heading 3502, not as gelatin or animal glue.
- Heading 3505Starch-based glue
Glues based on starches or modified starches are classified in heading 3505.
- Heading 3506Prepared adhesive put up for retail sale, 1 kg or less
Prepared glues and retail adhesives of heading 3506 are separate from animal glues of 3503.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for edible gelatin?
Edible gelatin is classified under 3503.00.55.10. The general (MFN) rate is 2.8¢/kg + 3.8%.
What is the duty on fish glue?
Fish glue is classified under 3503.00.10.00. The general (MFN) rate is 1.2¢/kg + 1.5%.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.
All lines in heading 3503
- 3503.00.10.00Fish glue1.2¢/kg + 1.5%
- 3503.00.20.00Inedible gelatin and animal glue / Valued under 88 cents per kg1.2¢/kg + 3.2%
- 3503.00.40.00Valued 88 cents or more per kg2.8¢/kg + 3.8%
- 3503.00.55.10Edible gelatin2.8¢/kg + 3.8%
- 3503.00.55.20Photographic gelatin2.8¢/kg + 3.8%
- 3503.00.55.50Other2.8¢/kg + 3.8%