Dried Harvested Marine Sponges from Germany
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.
Duty Rate — Germany → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3910%Section 301 (forced labor) — European Union member state (col1 rate < 10 percent): MFN < 10% → total duty capped at 10%
Import Tips
• 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