HTS Code: 0504 — Guts, Bladders and Stomachs of Animals, Edible

This heading includes edible parts of the digestive tracts of animals, specifically the intestines (guts), bladders, and stomachs. These parts are primarily used as natural sausage casings or in other culinary applications. The products can be presented in various states including fresh, chilled, salted, or dried but not prepared or preserved beyond these forms.

• Intestines (Guts): Tubular digestive tracts from various animals (e.g., sheep, swine, cattle), cleaned and prepared for edible use.
• Bladders: Urinary bladders of animals, similarly cleaned and used as casings or food ingredients.
• Stomachs: Edible stomachs of animals, often from ruminants like cattle and sheep, used in culinary dishes or sausage making.

Code Hierarchy

• Section I:
• Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
• Chapter 05: Products of Animal Origin, Not Elsewhere Specified or Included
• Heading 0504: Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, salted, or dried but not otherwise prepared.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 0504.XX.XXXX – Further digits specify the animal source and processing form.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0504 is subdivided into 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the type of organ and animal origin, as well as the state of preservation.

What is NOT Classified Here?

Important exclusions to avoid misclassification:

• Prepared or preserved products:
• Guts, bladders, or stomachs that are processed beyond drying or salting (e.g., smoked, cooked, or otherwise prepared) are classified under Chapter 16 or other relevant headings.
• Fish guts and similar products: Classified separately under Chapter 03.
• Rendered animal fats and oils: Not included here; found under Chapter 15.
• Inedible animal parts: Such as hides, skins, and other non-edible offal, classified elsewhere.

Notes

• FDA and USDA Regulations:
• Importation of edible animal guts and casings into the United States is regulated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and additionally overseen by the FDA for food safety compliance.
• Sanitation Requirements: Guts and casings must be properly cleaned and processed to meet sanitary standards to prevent contamination.
• Duty Rates: Duty rates vary by animal origin and processing state. Salted or dried products may have different tariffs than fresh or chilled ones. Check the current USHTS for precise rates.
• Labeling: Accurate country-of-origin and product descriptions are required for customs clearance.

Declaration Example

Product:

A shipment of salted sheep casings imported from New Zealand.

US HTS Code: 0504.10.5000 (Sheep and lamb edible guts, salted or dried)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Varies; often subject to quotas or preferential trade agreements)

Additional Requirements: USDA/FSIS inspection and certification required.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 0206:
• Edible offal of animals, including livers, kidneys, and other organ meats.
• HTS 0503: Lard, other rendered pig fats, and animal fats derived from intestines.
• HTS 1601: Sausages and similar products prepared from meat or offal.
• HTS 0305: Fish guts and bladders, dried, salted or in brine.