Dried Harvested Marine Sponges from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
13%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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