Boiled and Salted Sea Cucumbers
Boiled and salted sea cucumbers are aquatic invertebrates that have been cooked and preserved in salt to extend their shelf life. This preparation process places them under tariff item 1605.61.00 as prepared or preserved sea cucumbers, distinct from fresh or frozen products.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇺🇸United States | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 4% | — | 4% |
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 sea cucumbers are fresh, chilled, or frozen without any cooking or salting
Chapter 3 covers live, fresh, chilled, or frozen aquatic invertebrates, which are not prepared or preserved as required for Chapter 16.
If the product is a mix of sea cucumbers with other aquatic invertebrates
Subheading 1605.69 covers other aquatic invertebrates prepared or preserved, but sea cucumbers alone are specifically classified under 1605.61.
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 fully boiled and salted, as fresh or simply frozen sea cucumbers fall under Chapter 3, not this item
• Declare the preservation method clearly on customs documentation to avoid classification disputes
• Verify that no meat or other animal products are mixed in, which could trigger Chapter 16 notes
Related Products under Tariff item 1605.61.00
Canned Sea Cucumbers in Brine
Canned sea cucumbers in brine are whole or cut sea cucumbers packed in cans with a saltwater solution for long-term preservation. The canning and brining process constitutes preparation or preservation, making this product classifiable under tariff item 1605.61.00 as prepared sea cucumbers.
Dried Sea Cucumber (Boschmaia spp.)
Dried sea cucumbers of the Boschmaia species are prepared by cleaning, boiling, and sun-drying to preserve them for culinary use. This drying process is a form of preparation or preservation, qualifying the product for tariff item 1605.61.00 as prepared or preserved sea cucumbers.
Frozen Dried Sea Cucumber Slices
Frozen dried sea cucumber slices are sea cucumber meat that has been sliced, boiled, and freeze-dried into lightweight pieces for easy storage and rehydration. The boiling and freeze-drying processes constitute preparation, making this product classifiable under tariff item 1605.61.00 as prepared sea cucumbers.
Ready-to-Cook Sea Cucumber Tentacles
Ready-to-cook sea cucumber tentacles are pre-cleaned, cooked, and vacuum-packed to preserve them for immediate culinary use. The cooking and vacuum-packing processes prepare the product, placing it under tariff item 1605.61.00 as prepared sea cucumbers.
Smoked Sea Cucumbers
Smoked sea cucumbers are cleaned, partially cooked, and smoked to impart flavor and preserve the product. The smoking process is a method of preparation or preservation, making this product classifiable under tariff item 1605.61.00 as prepared sea cucumbers.