Live Japanese Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)
Live Stichopus japonicus sea cucumbers harvested from the Pacific Ocean, transported in aerated seawater for aquaculture or immediate processing. Classified under HTS 0308.19.0100 as live aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, specifically sea cucumbers of the Holothuroidea class. Excludes flours, meals, or pellets fit for human consumption per Chapter notes.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If not Stichopus japonicus but other Holothuroidea species
Heading 0308.19 covers specifically Stichopus japonicus; other sea cucumber species fall under the residual 'Other' subheading.
If processed into dried sea cucumber for medicinal use
Heavily processed or medicinal preparations of sea cucumbers may classify under animal products rather than fresh aquatic invertebrates.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain CITES permits if applicable, as some sea cucumber species face export restrictions from source countries like Japan or China
• Ensure live specimens arrive viable with proper aeration documentation to prevent reclassification as dead/frozen
• Verify species identification via scientific naming to confirm Stichopus japonicus and avoid misclassification
Related Products under HTS 0308.19.01.00
Fresh Chilled Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea)
Freshly harvested and chilled Holothuroidea sea cucumbers, packed on ice for restaurant supply or high-end culinary use. Falls under HTS 0308.19.0100 as chilled aquatic invertebrates excluding crustaceans and molluscs, adhering to chapter notes excluding human-consumption pellets.
Frozen Japanese Sea Cucumbers
Individually quick-frozen Stichopus japonicus sea cucumbers, vacuum-sealed for long-term storage in gourmet food markets. HTS 0308.19.0100 applies to frozen sea cucumbers as 'Other' aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs.
Dried Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea)
Air-dried Holothuroidea sea cucumbers, a delicacy in Asian cuisine known as 'bêche-de-mer', rehydrated before cooking. Classified in HTS 0308.19.0100 as dried aquatic invertebrates excluding crustaceans, molluscs, and human-fit pellets per chapter notes.
Salted Sea Cucumbers in Brine
Holothuroidea sea cucumbers preserved in saltwater brine for extended shelf life in specialty seafood trade. HTS 0308.19.0100 covers salted or in-brine aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs.
Smoked Dried Sea Cucumbers
Lightly smoked and dried Stichopus japonicus sea cucumbers, prepared without cooking for traditional soups. Under HTS 0308.19.0100 as smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, per heading scope.
Fresh Live Sea Cucumbers for Aquaculture
Live juvenile Holothuroidea sea cucumbers shipped for U.S. aquaculture farms to support sustainable farming. HTS 0308.19.0100 for live aquatic invertebrates in this category.