Live Spiny Lobster (Misidentified as Homarus) from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
35%
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
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Import Tips
• Provide DNA or morphological certificates to confirm Homarus spp
• as spiny lobsters usually classify elsewhere
• Use vetted suppliers to prevent species substitution, a common pitfall leading to CBP holds
• Ensure no shell damage during live shipping, as injured lobsters may be deemed not 'live' upon inspection