Live Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus)
Live specimens of Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, imported for immediate use in high-end seafood restaurants or aquaculture. Classified under HTS 0306.31.00.00 as live rock lobster/sea crawfish of the specified genera, in shell, not processed beyond keeping alive.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If frozen
Frozen rock lobster falls under the frozen subheading 0306.32, separate from live/fresh/chilled.
If cooked by steaming or boiling, in shell
Cooked crustaceans in shell are classified in 0306.91 regardless of species, prioritizing processing method.
If imported solely for shell extraction, not as edible seafood
Shells or parts not for human consumption shift to Chapter 5 for animal products not elsewhere specified.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain live animal import permits and ensure humane transport with oxygenation to prevent mortality during shipping
• Verify species identification certificates to confirm Panulirus spp. as misclassification can lead to seizures
• Comply with CITES if from protected populations; avoid common pitfalls like inadequate temperature control
Related Products under HTS 0306.31.00.00
Fresh Chilled Jasus edwardsii Rock Lobster
Fresh chilled whole Jasus edwardsii (packhorse rock lobster) from New Zealand waters, packed on ice for air shipment to markets. Fits HTS 0306.31.00.00 as chilled sea crawfish of Jasus spp., in shell, unprocessed except chilling.
Live Palinurus elephas European Spiny Lobster
Live Palinurus elephas caught in Mediterranean waters, shipped in aerated seawater tanks for live tank display in restaurants. HTS 0306.31.00.00 covers live rock lobster of Palinurus spp., emphasizing live/fresh/chilled state.
Fresh Whole Panulirus ornatus Coral Lobster
Freshly harvested Panulirus ornatus from Indo-Pacific reefs, gutted but in shell, chilled for premium sushi markets. Classified in 0306.31.00.00 for fresh sea crawfish of Panulirus spp.
Chilled Jasus lalandii Cape Rock Lobster
Chilled Jasus lalandii from South African coasts, whole in shell, for export to European markets. HTS 0306.31.00.00 applies to chilled rock lobster of Jasus spp.
Live Panulirus versicolor Blue Lobster
Rare live blue variant of Panulirus versicolor from Pacific islands, for aquarium trade and gourmet live sales. Under 0306.31.00.00 as live sea crawfish.