Turtle Shell Guitar Picks from China

Thin slices of worked shell shaped into durable guitar picks, mimicking traditional tortoise shell. Classifies under 9601.90.20.00 for shell articles, excluded from musical instruments in Chapter 92.

Duty Rate — China → United States

17.5%

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
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)

Import Tips

CITES permit mandatory for any turtle-derived shell; use alternatives if unavailable

Declare thickness and material tests to confirm not plastic

Sell as 'picks' not 'instrument parts' to stay in Chapter 96