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Gelatin customs clearance in Iran (HS Code + documents, health, Halal and standards)
Gelatin customs clearance Gelatin is one of the important protein materials obtained from processing collagen found in animal skin and bones. Due to its wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and hygiene industries, and even in some technical industries, it is considered a high-demand product in the global market. Clearing gelatin from customs requires precise knowledge of the laws and regulations related to this product, as well as specific documentation that must be submitted to customs upon import.
For estimating time and cost of gelatin clearance (food/pharma/industrial) and obtaining health/Halal permits, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Immediate & free consultation1) Gelatin applications across industries
Food industry: Used as a stabilizer, gelling agent and bulking agent in products such as jellies, marmalades, gummies, dairy products, ready desserts and some ready meals. It plays an important role in creating proper texture and consistency in food products.
Pharmaceutical industry: Gelatin is used in making soft and hard capsules. These capsules, due to the solubility of gelatin in different environments, are easily absorbed in the digestive tract. Gelatin is also used as an important base material in producing dietary supplements.
Cosmetics and personal care: In the production of skincare creams, restorative products for skin and hair, and facial masks, gelatin is used for its strengthening and restorative properties. It can promote collagen production in the skin and improve hair quality.
Technical and engineering industries: Gelatin is used in certain industrial processes such as producing photographic films and specialty adhesives. Thanks to its absorption and adhesion properties, it is suitable for these fields.
Pharmaceutical industry: Gelatin is used in making soft and hard capsules. These capsules, due to the solubility of gelatin in different environments, are easily absorbed in the digestive tract. Gelatin is also used as an important base material in producing dietary supplements.
Cosmetics and personal care: In the production of skincare creams, restorative products for skin and hair, and facial masks, gelatin is used for its strengthening and restorative properties. It can promote collagen production in the skin and improve hair quality.
Technical and engineering industries: Gelatin is used in certain industrial processes such as producing photographic films and specialty adhesives. Thanks to its absorption and adhesion properties, it is suitable for these fields.
2) Key notes for clearing gelatin from customs
Due to the wide variety of types and applications across industries, importing gelatin requires specialized knowledge and awareness of specific customs regulations. For fast and compliant clearance, note the following:
Health documentation and standards: Since gelatin is used in food and pharma, obtaining health permits from the Food and Drug Organization and quality standard certificates is mandatory. Any shortfall can cause clearance delays or even seizure.
Origin and type of gelatin: Gelatin may be derived from various sources such as animal skin and bones. Some countries, especially Iran, have specific rules for importing animal-derived gelatin. For example, gelatin extracted from non-Halal animal sources may face restrictions.
Required documents: To clear gelatin through customs, documents such as bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate from the producing country, and product technical analysis from the manufacturer are required. These must be submitted completely and accurately to avoid issues.
Quality control tests: Because gelatin is directly consumed by humans, it must undergo quality and sanitary tests. These are conducted by competent authorities and must comply with national and international standards.
Health documentation and standards: Since gelatin is used in food and pharma, obtaining health permits from the Food and Drug Organization and quality standard certificates is mandatory. Any shortfall can cause clearance delays or even seizure.
Origin and type of gelatin: Gelatin may be derived from various sources such as animal skin and bones. Some countries, especially Iran, have specific rules for importing animal-derived gelatin. For example, gelatin extracted from non-Halal animal sources may face restrictions.
Required documents: To clear gelatin through customs, documents such as bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate from the producing country, and product technical analysis from the manufacturer are required. These must be submitted completely and accurately to avoid issues.
Quality control tests: Because gelatin is directly consumed by humans, it must undergo quality and sanitary tests. These are conducted by competent authorities and must comply with national and international standards.
3) Types of gelatin, tariff code and applications
Gelatin is a widely used protein material across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and even industrial sectors. It is extracted from collagen in animal skin and bones and, depending on processing and use, is divided into different types. Each type has its own customs tariff (HS Code) that must be considered during import and export.
1. Edible gelatin
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030010 Edible gelatin is usually obtained from animal skin and bones and is used as an additive in many food products. It is odorless and tasteless and supplied as powder or sheets. Applications: Jellies and desserts: a primary use is in making various gelatin desserts, providing body and texture. Marmalade and jam: used as a stabilizer to prevent syneresis and crystallization. Dairy products: used to increase firmness in some dairy items such as Greek yogurts and cheeses.
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030010 Edible gelatin is usually obtained from animal skin and bones and is used as an additive in many food products. It is odorless and tasteless and supplied as powder or sheets. Applications: Jellies and desserts: a primary use is in making various gelatin desserts, providing body and texture. Marmalade and jam: used as a stabilizer to prevent syneresis and crystallization. Dairy products: used to increase firmness in some dairy items such as Greek yogurts and cheeses.
2. Pharmaceutical gelatin
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030020 Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin is used for soft and hard capsules and, due to its high purity, in pharma manufacturing. It typically comes from animal sources under strict sanitary control. Applications: Drug capsules: used as capsule shells, dissolving quickly in the stomach to release the drug. Dietary supplements: used in vitamin and protein supplements to facilitate consumption. Artificial plasma: in some cases used as a plasma substitute in emergency/medical contexts.
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030020 Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin is used for soft and hard capsules and, due to its high purity, in pharma manufacturing. It typically comes from animal sources under strict sanitary control. Applications: Drug capsules: used as capsule shells, dissolving quickly in the stomach to release the drug. Dietary supplements: used in vitamin and protein supplements to facilitate consumption. Artificial plasma: in some cases used as a plasma substitute in emergency/medical contexts.
3. Industrial gelatin
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030030 Industrial gelatin is used mainly in non-food sectors such as textiles, adhesives and photographic film production. Its quality level is generally lower than food/pharma gelatin. Applications: Photographic films: used in preparing light-sensitive films. Adhesives: a component in certain industrial glues. Printing and papermaking: imparts properties such as gloss and durability to papers.
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030030 Industrial gelatin is used mainly in non-food sectors such as textiles, adhesives and photographic film production. Its quality level is generally lower than food/pharma gelatin. Applications: Photographic films: used in preparing light-sensitive films. Adhesives: a component in certain industrial glues. Printing and papermaking: imparts properties such as gloss and durability to papers.
4. Halal gelatin
Tariff code (HS Code): depends on application (35030010 or 35030020) Halal gelatin is derived from animals slaughtered according to Islamic law. It has high demand in Muslim countries and is used in Halal food and pharmaceuticals. Applications: Halal food products: used in gummies, jellies and other foods requiring Halal certification. Halal pharma: used in capsules and supplements for Islamic markets.
Tariff code (HS Code): depends on application (35030010 or 35030020) Halal gelatin is derived from animals slaughtered according to Islamic law. It has high demand in Muslim countries and is used in Halal food and pharmaceuticals. Applications: Halal food products: used in gummies, jellies and other foods requiring Halal certification. Halal pharma: used in capsules and supplements for Islamic markets.
5. Fish gelatin
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030090 Fish gelatin is derived from fish skin and bones and is used in food and pharma for those avoiding mammalian products. It is also used for “vegetarian-style” capsules and products. Applications: Vegan/vegetarian-style products: fish gelatin is an alternative to mammalian gelatin in foods and pharma. Plant-based capsules: some drug makers use fish gelatin as a substitute in capsules.
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030090 Fish gelatin is derived from fish skin and bones and is used in food and pharma for those avoiding mammalian products. It is also used for “vegetarian-style” capsules and products. Applications: Vegan/vegetarian-style products: fish gelatin is an alternative to mammalian gelatin in foods and pharma. Plant-based capsules: some drug makers use fish gelatin as a substitute in capsules.
6. Hydrolyzed gelatin or collagen peptides
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030040 Hydrolyzed gelatin, with lower molecular weight and high solubility, is popular especially in food and dietary supplements. It is supplied as powder and used as supplements for skin, hair and nails. Applications: Collagen supplements: collagen peptides in supplements to support skin, hair and nail health. Skincare/haircare products: used in creams and lotions to promote skin collagen production.
Tariff code (HS Code): 35030040 Hydrolyzed gelatin, with lower molecular weight and high solubility, is popular especially in food and dietary supplements. It is supplied as powder and used as supplements for skin, hair and nails. Applications: Collagen supplements: collagen peptides in supplements to support skin, hair and nail health. Skincare/haircare products: used in creams and lotions to promote skin collagen production.
| Gelatin type | Key applications | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Edible gelatin | Jelly/marmalade/dairy | 35030010 |
| Pharmaceutical gelatin | Soft/hard capsules, supplements | 35030020 |
| Industrial gelatin | Photography/adhesives/paper | 35030030 |
| Hydrolyzed gelatin (collagen peptide) | Collagen supplements/cosmetics | 35030040 |
| Fish gelatin | Non-mammalian alternative option | 35030090 |
Exact classification depends on origin (bovine/porcine/fish), grade (food/pharma/industrial), form supplied, and Halal/health certificates.
4) Special import conditions for gelatin and clearance solutions
As a widely used material in food, pharma and cosmetics, gelatin import requires compliance with special conditions. Due to sanitary and religious sensitivities as well as the importance of quality and packaging in transport, it is under specific oversight.
1. Sanitary conditions
Imported gelatin must have valid health certificates from the country of origin confirming safety for food and pharma use. Oversight bodies such as the Food and Drug Organization typically act as the authority approving health and quality of imported products. Gelatin quality control tests are also conducted upon entry to ensure compliance with domestic standards.
2. Religious restrictions
In Islamic countries, consumed gelatin must come from animals slaughtered according to Sharia. This is especially important for food and pharma uses. Gelatin produced in non-Islamic countries should have a Halal certificate to ensure preparation complies with Islamic law.
3. Packaging regulations
Gelatin packaging must comply with national and international standards, protecting it from moisture, heat and contamination. Packaging must clearly display production/expiry dates and product contents. Failure to comply can cause clearance issues or rejection by regulators.
1. Sanitary conditions
Imported gelatin must have valid health certificates from the country of origin confirming safety for food and pharma use. Oversight bodies such as the Food and Drug Organization typically act as the authority approving health and quality of imported products. Gelatin quality control tests are also conducted upon entry to ensure compliance with domestic standards.
2. Religious restrictions
In Islamic countries, consumed gelatin must come from animals slaughtered according to Sharia. This is especially important for food and pharma uses. Gelatin produced in non-Islamic countries should have a Halal certificate to ensure preparation complies with Islamic law.
3. Packaging regulations
Gelatin packaging must comply with national and international standards, protecting it from moisture, heat and contamination. Packaging must clearly display production/expiry dates and product contents. Failure to comply can cause clearance issues or rejection by regulators.
5) Gelatin exporting and importing countries
Global gelatin exporters are concentrated in several countries, each holding a significant market share based on resource base and processing technology:
Germany, France and Italy: with advanced gelatin processing technologies, they are major exporters to Iran and other countries. Thanks to high production standards and assured quality, they rank among top producers of premium gelatin.
Brazil and China: these two are major exporters, with China supplying large volumes at competitive prices, making it a key global source.
Major importers include European countries, the United States and some Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, reflecting high demand across food, pharma and cosmetics.
Germany, France and Italy: with advanced gelatin processing technologies, they are major exporters to Iran and other countries. Thanks to high production standards and assured quality, they rank among top producers of premium gelatin.
Brazil and China: these two are major exporters, with China supplying large volumes at competitive prices, making it a key global source.
Major importers include European countries, the United States and some Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, reflecting high demand across food, pharma and cosmetics.
6) Import and export volumes of gelatin to Iran
Due to strong demand in sectors such as food and pharma, Iran’s gelatin imports have grown markedly in recent years. According to customs reports, Iran imports thousands of tons of gelatin annually from various countries. Most is used in food (desserts, jellies and gummies) and pharma (capsules and dietary supplements). Meanwhile, domestic production is also growing; some Iranian companies produce high-quality gelatin serving domestic demand and exporting to neighboring markets.
7) Global gelatin turnover
As a strategic input across industries, gelatin enjoys high global demand. Global statistics indicate annual trade volumes worth billions of dollars. Major producers include Germany, Brazil, China, France and the United States. They not only cover domestic needs but also command a large share of exports. On the demand side, European countries, the U.S. and Japan are the principal importers, with advanced industries requiring high-quality inputs.
8) Documents required for clearing gelatin from customs
- Clearing gelatin from customs, like any other commodity, requires complete and accurate documentation. These documents must comply with national customs law and, depending on gelatin type and country of origin, some may vary.
1. Commercial invoice (Invoice)
The invoice includes detailed information such as price, quantity, gelatin type and specifications. Issued by the seller, it must fully match the imported goods and is a primary document for customs valuation.
2. Bill of Lading
Evidence of shipment from origin to destination, issued by the carrier. It includes origin, destination, mode of transport and cargo details. It is one of the most important documents for clearance and indispensable.
3. Certificate of Origin
Confirms the producing/exporting country. Issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce, it is used to determine tariffs and other trade rules.
4. Health Certificate
Since gelatin is used especially in food and pharma, it must carry a valid health certificate from the origin country, confirming safety for human use. In Iran, this must be endorsed by the Food and Drug Organization.
5. Halal Certificate
In Islamic countries like Iran, importing animal-derived gelatin requires a Halal certificate confirming production in accordance with Sharia and Halal slaughter. Without it, clearance is often impossible.
6. Product Analysis Report
Contains technical/chemical specifications of the gelatin, usually issued by the producer or an accredited lab, demonstrating compliance with import quality requirements.
7. Import License
Depending on type and end-use (food, pharma, industrial), an import license from relevant authorities may be required, ensuring the import is under regulatory control.
8. Certificate of Conformity
In some cases, the imported gelatin must meet specific standards. This certificate shows compliance and suitability for consumption.
9. Customs Declaration
Completed by the importer or customs broker, detailing the goods, quantity, value and technical specs. It underpins tariff and tax calculations and is a key clearance document.
10. Health permit from the Food and Drug Organization
For imports intended especially for food and pharma uses, a health permit from the FDO is required, confirming safety for human consumption and compliance with domestic sanitary standards.
11. Insurance Policy
Transport insurance is also essential, covering potential losses/damages during carriage.
12. Operation license
If the gelatin is imported for industrial/production use, an operation license from relevant bodies is required, showing the importer is authorized to use it in manufacturing.
Need precise HS selection, Halal/health certificates and file preparation? Our team manages end-to-end clearance of your gelatin.
Request pro formaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code of gelatin?
In chapter 3503: examples include 35030010 (edible), 35030020 (pharmaceutical), 35030030 (industrial), 35030040 (hydrolyzed) and 35030090 (others/fish gelatin).
What permits are required to import gelatin?
As applicable: health certificate and Food & Drug Organization permit, Halal certificate for animal origin, certificate of conformity and technical analysis.
How is Halal gelatin verified?
Through a Halal certificate issued by accredited authorities in the origin country and matching Sharia slaughter documents; reviewed and approved by relevant bodies in Iran.
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Summary and call to action
Due to health/Halal requirements, quality control and extensive documentation, gelatin clearance is sensitive. With practical experience, Saba Tarkhis accelerates your process in full compliance with regulations.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance pro formaSpecial customs clearance services by Saba Brokerage
With years of experience in customs clearance and a special focus on food and pharma products, the company offers comprehensive and professional services for clearing gelatin from customs. With an in-depth grasp of regulations governing gelatin imports, it executes complex customs procedures accurately and swiftly.
Services include:
Obtaining health permits and standards: The team secures all required health permits from the Food and Drug Organization and other authorities and prepares necessary import documentation.
Conducting quality tests: Imported gelatin undergoes quality and sanitary testing after entry. In cooperation with accredited labs, this process is handled quickly and precisely.
Tariff consulting: Through expert advice, you’ll be informed about up-to-date customs tariffs and, by minimizing extra costs, your clearance process will be optimized.
Fast and precise follow-up: Extensive ties with customs and regulatory bodies facilitate clearance and reduce dwell time.
By choosing this company, you can benefit from comprehensive and rapid services for gelatin clearance and pass all steps without concern.
