What it is
Protein made from bovine bone (ossein) and hides or fish skin. Used for hard and soft capsule shells, confectionery, dairy and photographic film.
Pharma grade (by Bloom strength)Food gradeHalal-certified and fish gelatin
Where imports come from
A few large Indian makers supply most demand; imports were US$ 47.64 million in 2024-25 (HS 3503).
- China — US$ 24.93 million imported under HS 3503 in 2024-25
- Turkey — US$ 5.99 million imported under HS 3503 in 2024-25
- Brazil — US$ 3.79 million imported under HS 3503 in 2024-25
- USA — US$ 3.6 million imported under HS 3503 in 2024-25
- France — US$ 3.23 million imported under HS 3503 in 2024-25
Rules before you buy or sell
- Imports of livestock products need a Sanitary Import Permit from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- FSSAI licence or registration is needed to process, pack, store or sell it as food (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006).
- Food products containing gelatin must carry the brown (non-vegetarian) symbol under FSSAI labelling rules.
Businesses that use it
Capsule Shells and Medicine Blister Foil →Ayurvedic Capsule Making →Vitamin C Capsule Making →Confectionery (Toffee and Hard Candy) →Cake Gel (Cake Improver) Manufacturing →