Salted Sea Cucumbers in Brine
Holothuroidea sea cucumbers preserved in saltwater brine for extended shelf life are classified as salted or in-brine aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. They fall under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other' since they are not smoked and not of the species Stichopus japonicus.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | +25.0% | 25% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the product is smoked
Smoked aquatic invertebrates are classified under this sibling item.
If the product is of the species Stichopus japonicus and is live, fresh, or chilled
Live, fresh, or chilled Stichopus japonicus is classified under this subheading.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the product is not smoked; smoked items are classified under 0308.19.10
• Declare the preservation method (salted or in brine) clearly on customs documents
• Verify that the product is fit for human consumption; if unfit, it may be classified under Chapter 5
Related Products under Tariff item 0308.19.90
Dried Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea)
Air-dried sea cucumbers of the class Holothuroidea, commonly known as bêche-de-mer, are a prized ingredient in Asian cuisine. They are rehydrated before cooking and are classified as dried aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, falling under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other'.
Fresh Chilled Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea)
Fresh chilled sea cucumbers of the class Holothuroidea, packed on ice for restaurant supply or high-end culinary use, are classified as chilled aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. They fall under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other' since they are not smoked and not of the species Stichopus japonicus.
Fresh Live Sea Cucumbers for Aquaculture
Live juvenile sea cucumbers of the class Holothuroidea, shipped for aquaculture farms, are classified as live aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. They fall under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other' because they are not of the species Stichopus japonicus and are not smoked.
Frozen Japanese Sea Cucumbers
Individually quick-frozen Stichopus japonicus sea cucumbers, vacuum-sealed for long-term storage, are classified as frozen aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. They fall under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other' because the subheading for Stichopus japonicus (0308.11) covers only live, fresh, or chilled products, not frozen ones.
Frozen Processed Sea Cucumber Bodies
Frozen, eviscerated bodies of Japanese sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus), cleaned but not cooked, are classified as frozen aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. They fall under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other' because the specific subheading for Stichopus japonicus (0308.11) covers only live, fresh, or chilled products.
Live Japanese Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)
Live Stichopus japonicus sea cucumbers harvested from the Pacific Ocean, transported in aerated seawater for aquaculture or immediate processing, are classified as live aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. They fall under tariff item 0308.19.90 as 'Other' because the specific subheading 0308.11.00 covers live Stichopus japonicus, but this item is for 'Other' species; however, since the candidate is Stichopus japonicus, it would actually fall under 0308.11.00, not this item. Therefore, this candidate is excluded.