Live Common Octopus
Live Octopus vulgaris, commonly known as the common octopus, harvested from coastal waters and transported alive in aerated tanks. Classified under HTS 0307.51.00.00 as live, fresh or chilled octopus (Octopus spp.), not processed or frozen.
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 octopus, even if previously live, falls under the frozen subheading in 0307.59.
If processed into fillets
Octopus cut into fillets or steaks is classified separately under 0307.71, not whole live forms.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain CITES permits if applicable for certain octopus species; verify with USFWS
• Maintain continuous aeration and temperature logs during transport to prove 'live' status upon entry
• Avoid common pitfalls like misdeclaring as chilled, which could shift to different subheadings
Related Products under HTS 0307.51.00.00
Fresh Chilled Giant Pacific Octopus
Freshly harvested Enteroctopus dofleini, chilled on ice immediately after capture to preserve quality for market. Falls under HTS 0307.51.00.00 for live, fresh or chilled octopus species, excluding frozen or preserved forms.
Live Mimic Octopus
Live Thaumoctopus mimicus, known for mimicry behaviors, imported alive for aquariums. Fits 0307.51.00.00 as live Octopus spp., not subjected to freezing or drying.
Live Short-Arm Octopus
Live Octopus mercatoris, a smaller species with short arms, kept alive for premium sushi markets. HTS 0307.51.00.00 covers live octopus (Octopus spp.) in shell or not, prior to any preservation.
Fresh Blue-Ringed Octopus
Freshly caught Hapalochlaena spp., handled with extreme care due to venomous nature, chilled for research or display. Classified in 0307.51.00.00 as fresh or chilled octopus, live or dead but unprocessed.
Chilled Whole Octopus vulgaris
Whole common octopus chilled post-harvest to maintain freshness for culinary use. HTS 0307.51.00.00 applies to unprocessed live, fresh, or chilled Octopus spp., whether in shell or shucked.
Fresh Day Octopus
Fresh Octopus cyanea, a tropical species caught daily and kept fresh without chilling for immediate sale. Under HTS 0307.51.00.00 for fresh Octopus spp., encompassing naturally cool handling.