Live Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
Live hard clams, also known as quahogs, from the Veneridae family, harvested from coastal waters and sold alive for immediate consumption or aquafarming. Classified under HTS 0307.71.00.90 as live clams, other than specified statistical categories, fitting the chapter's definition for live molluscs in shell.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If dead, frozen, dried, salted or in brine
Once the clams die or are preserved, they shift from live/fresh/chilled (0307.7) to other preparations (0307.9).
If rock lobster or similar crustaceans misidentified
Crustaceans like rock lobsters fall under Chapter 03 heading 0306, not molluscs in 0307.
If processed into flour, meal or pellets fit for human consumption
Chapter notes exclude flours/meals/pellets for human use from 0305-0308, directing to 0309.
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 from protected species and ensure live certification from FDA-approved suppliers to meet Section 609 provisions
• Maintain cold chain documentation proving 'live, fresh or chilled' status to avoid reclassification as dead/frozen under 0307.91
• Verify exact family (e.g
• Veneridae) via supplier docs; common pitfall is confusing with ark shells leading to wrong subheading
Related Products under HTS 0307.71.00.90
Fresh Chilled Littleneck Clams (Protothaca staminea)
Fresh chilled littleneck clams from the Veneridae family, minimally processed by icing to preserve freshness for market sale. HTS 0307.71.00.90 covers these as 'other' live, fresh or chilled clams, excluding specific statistical breaks.
Chilled Ark Shells (Anadara broughtonii)
Chilled ark shells from Arcidae family, shipped on ice post-harvest for sushi markets. HTS 0307.71.00.90 applies to these 'other' fresh/chilled clams, cockles, ark shells.
Fresh Chilled Manila Clams (Ruditapes philippinarum)
Fresh chilled Manila clams (Veneridae), a staple in Pacific markets, kept alive with wet storage. Classified as 'other' under live, fresh or chilled in HTS 0307.71.00.90.
Live Pacific Littleneck Clams (Leucoma staminea)
Live Pacific littleneck clams from Veneridae, imported for restocking or direct sale. HTS 0307.71.00.90 for other live clams per listed families.
Chilled Corbicula Clams (Corbicula fluminea)
Chilled Asiatic clams (Corbiculidae, related Veneridae), used in soups. 'Other' fresh/chilled under HTS 0307.71.00.90.
Fresh Chilled Pismo Clams (Tivela stultorum)
Fresh chilled Pismo clams (Veneridae), West Coast delicacy. HTS 0307.71.00.90 'other'.