Frozen Whale Meat from Japan
Frozen meat from whales (Cetacea order), typically sourced from species like minke or beluga whales permitted under international quotas. This falls under HTS 0208.40.01.00 as fresh, chilled, or frozen meat specifically from whales, dolphins, porpoises, manatees, dugongs, seals, sea lions, or walruses. It excludes products unfit for human consumption or those classified under other chapters like fats or guts.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Verify CITES permits due to endangered status of many Cetacea species; obtain veterinary certificates confirming fitness for human consumption
• Be aware of US import bans or quotas on whale products under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Include full container weight in dutiable value per US notes