Fresh Chilled Black Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra)
Fresh chilled black sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) are sandfish species imported chilled on ice for high-end restaurants specializing in Asian fusion cuisine. Classified under HTS 0308.11.00.00 as chilled Holothuroidea aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans or molluscs. They must remain viable or freshly harvested without freezing or preservation.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If frozen
Freezing changes classification to heading 0308.12 for frozen sea cucumbers, altering duty treatment.
If live or chilled but not Stichopus japonicus
The basket subheading 0308.19 covers other species of live/fresh/chilled sea cucumbers excluded from the principal species note.
If processed into flour, meal or pellets fit for human consumption
Per chapter notes, flours, meals or pellets of sea cucumbers suitable for eating fall under 0309, not 0308.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Use insulated containers with ice packs for chilled shipments and monitor temperature logs to prove compliance with 'chilled' not frozen status
• Include fishery export certificates specifying species and confirming no chemical treatments, as sea cucumbers are regulated for sustainability
Related Products under HTS 0308.11.00.00
Live Japanese Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)
Live Japanese sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus) are harvested from cold Pacific waters and imported alive for the luxury seafood market or aquaculture breeding. They fall under HTS 0308.11.00.00 as live sea cucumbers, a type of echinoderm in the Holothuroidea class, distinct from crustaceans and molluscs. These are prized in East Asian cuisine for their gelatinous texture when prepared.
Live Sandfish Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra)
Live sandfish sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) are imported alive for research aquariums and breeding programs. They qualify under HTS 0308.11.00.00 as live sea cucumbers in Holothuroidea, transported in controlled seawater environments. Valued for their role in marine ecosystem studies.
Live White Teatfish Sea Cucumber (Holothuria fuscogilva)
Live white teatfish sea cucumbers (Holothuria fuscogilva) are premium live imports for breeding farms and live seafood markets. They match HTS 0308.11.00.00 for live Holothuroidea, emphasizing their status as non-crustacean, non-mollusc echinoderms maintained alive during transport. Popular in aquaculture for restocking fisheries.
Fresh Chilled Prickly Redfish Sea Cucumber (Thelenota ananas)
Fresh chilled prickly redfish sea cucumbers (Thelenota ananas) are imported for gourmet sashimi preparations, chilled to preserve texture. HTS 0308.11.00.00 applies to these chilled Holothuroidea, ensuring they are neither frozen nor preserved. Known for their large size and bumpy skin in luxury seafood trade.
Fresh Chilled Lollypop Sea Cucumber (Holothuria atra)
Fresh chilled lollypop sea cucumbers (Holothuria atra) are tropical species imported for niche culinary uses, kept chilled post-harvest. HTS 0308.11.00.00 covers chilled Holothuroidea excluding crustaceans and molluscs. Common in Indo-Pacific fisheries for their resilience.