What It Is
Ox gallstones are hard, pebble-like formations found in the gallbladder of cattle. They are formed from cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts during the metabolic process. These stones are collected after slaughter, cleaned, dried, and graded for international trade.
Despite being a niche commodity, ox gallstones are in high demand in the pharmaceutical and traditional medicine industries, especially in Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea), Europe, and parts of the Middle East.
What Export of It Is
The export of ox gallstones involves careful sourcing from abattoirs, hygienic processing, and strict quality grading before packaging. Since the market is very specialized, the trade is typically business-to-business (B2B) with pharmaceutical companies, traditional medicine manufacturers, and herbal medicine distributors.
Ox gallstones are considered one of the most valuable animal by-products because of their rarity and medicinal properties.
Uses of Ox Gallstones
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Pharmaceutical Industry:
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Used in the production of drugs that treat liver and gallbladder disorders.
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Extracts used in the synthesis of steroids and other medical compounds.
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Traditional Medicine:
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Widely used in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) for treating hepatitis, jaundice, fever, and detoxification.
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Used as an ingredient in various herbal formulations.
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Research Applications:
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Studied for their biochemical composition in medical and veterinary research.
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Specifications for Export
Exported ox gallstones are categorized and priced based on quality, dryness, and purity:
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Appearance: Dried, clean stones, free from blood or other impurities.
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Moisture Content: < 10%
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Impurities: Nil
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Purity: 100% natural, no artificial substitutes.
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Color: Reddish, yellowish, or brown depending on composition.
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Size: Small to large stones (5g – 60g each).
Grading System
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Whole stones (high value): Entire, intact gallstones without cracks.
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Broken stones: Small fragments but still of good quality.
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Powder form: Crushed gallstones, used for some formulations.
Whole stones are the most valuable, often fetching double the price of broken stones.
Packaging Options
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Airtight glass or plastic containers.
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Vacuum-sealed packs.
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Export cartons with protective padding.
(Each package is labeled with weight, grade, and batch number.)
HS Code
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0510.00.00 – Animal products (including ox gallstones), unfit for human consumption, used for pharmaceutical purposes.
Export Form
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Whole gallstones (preferred by pharmaceutical companies).
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Broken gallstones.
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Powdered form (for traditional medicine).
Top Import Destinations
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China & Hong Kong – largest global buyers.
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Japan & Korea – strong traditional medicine market.
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Germany & Switzerland – pharmaceutical companies for drug formulations.
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Middle East – used in herbal remedies.
Conclusion: Ox gallstones are one of the highest-value animal by-products in the export market. With strict sourcing, proper processing, and quality grading, exporters can access premium markets worldwide, especially in Asia and Europe where the demand for pharmaceutical and traditional medicine applications is growing.
