HS Heading 0308 : Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process
HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION
HS Heading 0308 encompasses aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. It classifies 8 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 03 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].
Subheadings Under Heading 0308
| HS Code | WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description | Chapter | Operational Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0308.11 | Sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), Live, fresh or chilled | 03 | View 0308.11 Package → |
| 0308.12 | Sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), Frozen | 03 | View 0308.12 Package → |
| 0308.19 | Sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), Other | 03 | View 0308.19 Package → |
| 0308.21 | Sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), Live, fresh or chilled | 03 | View 0308.21 Package → |
| 0308.22 | Sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), Frozen | 03 | View 0308.22 Package → |
| 0308.29 | Sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), Other | 03 | View 0308.29 Package → |
| 0308.30 | Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process, Jellyfish (Rhopilema spp.) | 03 | View 0308.30 Package → |
| 0308.90 | Other | 03 | View 0308.90 Package → |
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 0308
Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Heading 0308 ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 0308 precedent rulings.
WCO Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.
Heading 0308 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 0308?
HS Heading 0308 covers Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process, grouping 8 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 0308?
Subheadings under Heading 0308 range from 0308.11 to 0308.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 0308?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 0308 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 0308?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 0308?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 0308?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 0308 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 0308?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 0308?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 0308?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.