Cowrie Shells Whole Unworked
Whole cowrie shells (Cypraea spp.) that have been simply cleaned, with no cutting or shaping. These mollusc shells are classifiable under tariff item 0508.00.00 as unworked shells of molluscs, often used for currency replicas, crafts, or jewelry blanks.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the shells are drilled, polished, or otherwise worked
Worked shells are classified as articles of shell under Chapter 96.
If the shells are from birds rather than molluscs
Bird shells (e.g., eggshells) fall under heading 05.05.
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
• Declare the shells as 'unworked' and avoid any drilling or polishing to maintain the tariff classification
• If the shells are for commercial jewelry making, ensure they are not considered 'worked' by CBSA standards
• Check for any restrictions on marine species under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA)
Related Products under Tariff item 0508.00.00
Abalone Shells Simply Prepared
Abalone shells (Haliotis spp.) that have been gently cleaned and dried, with no cutting, shaping, or other working. These mollusc shells are classifiable under tariff item 0508.00.00 as shells of molluscs, unworked or simply prepared, and are typically used for inlay work or decorative crafts.
Black Coral Fragments Simply Prepared
Fragments of black coral (Antipathes spp.) that have been minimally cleaned and dried, without cutting to shape or further working. These are classifiable under tariff item 0508.00.00 as coral and similar materials, unworked or simply prepared, often used in jewelry or ornamental applications.
Clam Shell Powder
Powder obtained from clam shells (Mercenaria spp.) by simple grinding, with no further working or chemical treatment. This falls under tariff item 0508.00.00 as powder of shells of molluscs, commonly used in soil amendments, cosmetics, or as a calcium supplement.
Cuttlebone Unworked
Natural cuttlebone from cuttlefish (Sepia spp.), simply dried and unworked, not powdered or shaped. This is classifiable under tariff item 0508.00.00 as cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared, commonly used for bird cages or as a calcium supplement.
Lobster Shell Waste
Waste shells from lobsters (Homarus spp.) that have been simply cleaned, with no further working or processing. These crustacean shell wastes are classifiable under tariff item 0508.00.00, often used in biotech applications or as bait.
Oyster Shells Unworked
Whole oyster shells (Crassostrea spp.) collected from shellfish farms, unworked or simply washed, not cut to shape. These mollusc shells are classifiable under tariff item 0508.00.00, commonly used for crafting, aquariums, or lime production.