American Paddlefish Caviar from Japan
American paddlefish caviar from the Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) offers large, olive-green eggs similar to Osetra in texture and mild flavor. Farm-raised, salt-processed roe fits HTS 1604.31.00.00 as caviar, though debated as it's from American sturgeon family.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
15%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.480%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate ≥ 12.5 percent): MFN >= 12.5% → no additional duty
Import Tips
• Use DNA testing certificates to affirm sturgeon-like classification; CBP may challenge non-traditional sources
• Declare as 'domestic species caviar' if U.S.-farmed to leverage lower scrutiny
• Avoid bulk shipments without end-use statements, as they risk reclass to Chapter 3 roe