Dried Harvested Marine Sponges
Natural sponges harvested from marine environments such as sea sponges of the species Hippospongia lachne, dried and prepared for various uses. They fall under HTS 0511.99.36.00 as unprocessed or simply dried animal-origin sponges not suitable for human consumption and not covered elsewhere in Chapter 5. These are distinct from synthetic sponges or processed cleaning products.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If cut to shape, bleached, or otherwise worked for broom/brush making
Processed sponges prepared for specific uses like cleaning tools fall under heading 9603 for broomcorn and similar products.
If sterilized and packaged for medicinal or surgical use
Sponges prepared for medical applications are classified in Chapter 30 as wadding, gauze, and similar articles for medical purposes.
If made up into finished cleaning articles or rags
When assembled into textile cleaning cloths or made-up articles, they move to Chapter 63 for other made-up textile articles.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify species origin and obtain CITES permits if the sponge species is protected under international wildlife trade conventions
• Provide certificates of origin and processing statements confirming minimal treatment (e.g
• only drying) to avoid reclassification
• Avoid common pitfalls like mislabeling as synthetic sponges, which shifts to Chapter 39 plastics
Related Products under HTS 0511.99.36.00
Glove Sponges (Hippospongia canaliculata)
Premium natural glove-shaped sponges from the Hippospongia canaliculata species, harvested from the Mediterranean Sea and sun-dried. Classified under HTS 0511.99.36.00 as raw natural sponges of animal origin, unfit for food use per Chapter notes. Ideal for bath and personal care prior to any further processing.
Velvet Bath Sponges Raw
Soft velvet-textured natural sponges from tropical reefs, harvested and air-dried for preservation. Classified in HTS 0511.99.36.00 as natural sponges of animal origin, not prepared for brush-making or medical use. Excludes hides, edible products, or textiles as per Chapter notes.
Yellow Tube Sponges Dried
Tube-shaped yellow sponges (Aplysina spp.) dried post-harvest from Caribbean seas. HTS 0511.99.36.00 covers these as other NESOI animal sponges, unfit for consumption and not horsehair. Raw form distinguishes from worked or set products.
Loggerhead Marine Sponges
Dense loggerhead sponges from deep-sea harvesting, sun-dried for bulk trade. Under HTS 0511.99.36.00 as natural animal sponges NESOI, excluding Chapter 1 dead animals or Chapter 41 hides.
Honeycomb Marine Sponges
Honeycomb-structured natural sponges harvested from Atlantic waters, known for their durability and absorbent properties when dried. HTS 0511.99.36.00 applies to these unworked animal products not elsewhere specified, excluding edible or textile materials per Chapter notes. Used primarily in their raw form for crafting or cleaning.
Sea Silk Sponges (Loose Raw)
Fine-textured sea silk sponges collected from coastal waters, minimally cleaned and dried without fiber extraction. These qualify under HTS 0511.99.36.00 as other animal products NESOI, specifically natural sponges, distinct from horsehair or edible guts per Chapter exclusions. Supplied loose for industrial or artisanal use.