Salted Rattlesnake Meat from Mexico
Salted rattlesnake meat (Crotalus spp.) is preserved by salting to extend shelf life and enhance flavor, commonly used in exotic cuisine. It falls under HTS 0210.93.00.00 as salted reptile meat, specifically from snakes, which is fit for human consumption and not excluded by chapter notes.
Duty Rate — Mexico → United States
12.3%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Obtain USDA APHIS import permit and health certificate confirming the meat is from disease-free reptiles and fit for human consumption
• Declare exact species (e.g
• Crotalus atrox) and processing method (salted) to avoid reclassification; check CITES if applicable for protected species
• Monitor weight declarations as no allowance for bones or skin; common pitfall is improper labeling leading to quarantine