HS 391710 Artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials

Quick Answer: Artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials imported under HS 391710 enter the UK at rates up to 6.00%, the EU at rates up to 6.50%, and the US at rates up to 6.5% or free for certain trade agreements. This classification covers casings manufactured from processed protein (like collagen) or regenerated cellulose, specifically designed for use in food production, primarily for sausages. Importers should be aware of varying duty rates across major markets and the potential for preferential duty treatment in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates based on origin and destination.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3917100000 — — —
3917109000 6.00 % — —
3917101000 4.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3917101000 5.30 % — —
3917100000 — — —
3917109000 6.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3917101000 6.5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
3917109000 4.2% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
391710 — — —
3917106000 Free — ["kg"]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3917.10?

Imports of Artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 391710 cover?

This subheading covers artificial guts (sausage casings) manufactured from hardened protein or cellulosic materials, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These materials are processed to create flexible, tubular casings suitable for filling with meat products. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, specify that these casings are distinct from natural casings and are specifically engineered for food processing applications, often exhibiting properties like permeability or high tensile strength.

What falls outside HS 391710?

The following products are excluded from HS 391710: natural animal casings (e.g., hog or sheep intestines), which are classified under Chapter 05; casings made from plastics not derived from hardened protein or cellulosic materials, which would fall under other headings within Chapter 39; and finished food products already stuffed into casings, which are classified according to the foodstuff itself. For instance, pre-stuffed sausages are classified as prepared meat products, not as casings.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 391710?

A common error is misclassifying casings made from synthetic polymers like polyethylene or PVC under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. HS 391710 specifically mandates "hardened protein or of cellulosic materials." Casings made from other plastic materials, even if used for similar purposes, are typically classified under HS 391721 (tubes, pipes and hoses of plastics, with or without fittings, of polymers of ethylene) or other relevant plastic headings.

How should importers classify products under HS 391710?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 391710 involves a thorough examination of the material composition of the artificial gut or casing. Importers and customs brokers must verify if the material is derived from hardened protein (e.g., collagen-based) or cellulosic materials (e.g., regenerated cellulose). Consulting the product's technical specifications, manufacturer's declarations, and cross-referencing with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 391710?

A shipment of 10,000 meters of collagen-based artificial sausage casings, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.05 = $25.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, where HS 391710 typically carries an ad valorem duty.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 391710?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 391710, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating artificial guts from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, for goods originating in certain developing countries, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry into the US, requiring a GSP Form A. The EU's TARIC system also details preferential rates for countries with specific trade agreements.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 391721 HS 391731 HS 391729 HS 391732 HS 391740 HS 391723

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 391710, 'Artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials'?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 391710 can vary by country. For example, the U.S. tariff rate is 6.5% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system may show different rates depending on the specific origin and any applicable trade measures. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate. For instance, under the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the standard rate is 6.5%.

How is the import duty for HS code 391710 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS code 391710 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if artificial sausage casings valued at $10,000 are imported into the U.S. and the MFN duty rate is 6.5%, the duty amount would be $10,000 \times 0.065 = $650. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the importing country's regulations.

What are the classification criteria for goods under HS code 391710?

HS code 391710 specifically covers 'Artificial guts (sausage casings) of hardened protein or of cellulosic materials'. The key classification criteria are that the product must be an artificial casing used for sausages, and it must be manufactured from either hardened protein (e.g., derived from animal collagen) or cellulosic materials (e.g., regenerated cellulose). Products not meeting these material and functional requirements would be classified elsewhere.

Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 391710, and what documentation is needed?

Preferential duty rates under various trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS code 391710. For example, the U.S. offers duty-free entry (0% ad valorem) for goods from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR) under specific Free Trade Agreements, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a Certificate of Origin or a declaration from the exporter, compliant with the terms of the specific trade agreement. Always verify the specific agreement and its requirements for the exporting country.

Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a commercial invoice and packing list for importing artificial sausage casings under HS 391710?

While a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard, specific import requirements for HS 391710 may include a Certificate of Origin, especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the nature of the material (e.g., if derived from animal products), additional health, safety, or sanitary certificates might be required to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Importers and customs brokers should consult the importing country's customs authority or their import regulations database for a comprehensive list.