Live American Lobster (Homarus americanus)
Live Homarus americanus lobsters, commonly known as American or Maine lobsters, are caught in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and shipped alive to maintain freshness. They fall under HTS 0306.32.0010 as live lobsters of the Homarus spp., specifically in their live state without any preservation processing.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If chilled but not frozen
Chilled Homarus lobsters shift to 0306.32.0020, as the hierarchy distinguishes live/fresh from chilled states.
If cold-water rock lobster species like Jasus spp.
Only Homarus spp. are under 0306.32; other lobster-like crustaceans like rock lobsters classify under 0306.17 for cold-water species.
If prepared and packed as cooked lobster meat
Cooked, peeled, or deveined lobster meat, even from Homarus, moves to 0306.93 as processed, not live.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain health certificates from exporting countries verifying the lobsters are disease-free and alive at shipment, complying with USDA APHIS and FDA requirements
• Use aerated live tanks or foam boxes with oxygen supply during transport to prevent mortality; declare exact live count on entry documents
• Avoid misclassification as chilled; measure temperature to confirm live status, as chilled falls under different subheadings
Related Products under HTS 0306.32.00.10
Live European Lobster (Homarus gammarus)
Live Homarus gammarus, the European lobster native to the Atlantic coasts of Europe, is imported alive for high-end restaurants and markets. Classified under HTS 0306.32.0010 due to its species within Homarus spp. and live condition, ensuring premium quality.
Live Cape Lobster (Homarus capensis)
Live Homarus capensis from South African waters, a lesser-known Homarus species, valued for its firm texture in gourmet seafood. HTS 0306.32.0010 applies strictly to live Homarus spp. lobsters, distinguishing them from rock lobsters.
Live Spiny Lobster (Misidentified as Homarus)
Certain spiny lobsters occasionally misclassified but confirmed as Homarus spp. via documentation; typically, spiny are Palinurus but rare Homarus-like traits qualify here. HTS 0306.32.0010 covers only true Homarus lobsters in live form.
Live Homarus Lobster Breeding Stock
Live Homarus spp. lobsters specifically imported for aquaculture breeding programs, selected for genetic quality. Still classified under HTS 0306.32.0010 as live Homarus lobsters, not under cultivated live due to wild capture origin.