Sea turtle shell
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 050600 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 960190 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9601902000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9601908000 | 21.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π’ Sea Turtle Shell β HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Professional Import Compliance
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Sea Turtle Shell"?
The shell of a sea turtle is a highly regulated biological material due to international conservation laws (CITES β Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). In trade, it is classified not as a raw material but as worked or prepared animal carving material, especially when treated, shaped, or used for decorative/artistic purposes.
β οΈ Critical Note:
- Unworked, defatted, acid-treated, or degelatinized shells (e.g., raw pieces, powder, waste) are not considered finished products.
- Worked shells (e.g., carved, polished, molded into items like jewelry, ornaments, or inlays) fall under specific tariff headings with strict duty rules.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Updated Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Worked/Finished? |
|---|---|---|---|
0506.00 |
Bones and horn-cores, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to shape), treated with acid or degelatinised; powder and waste of these products (shell of a sea turtle) | Raw shell fragments, powder, waste, or untreated pieces | β No β unworked |
9601.90 |
Worked ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material, and articles of these materials (including articles obtained by moulding) | General category for carved or molded animal-based decorative items | β Yes β worked or shaped |
9601.90.20.00 |
Worked shell and articles thereof | Carved, polished, or molded sea turtle shell items (e.g., pendants, inlays, decorative boxes) | β Yes β specific subcategory |
9601.90.80.00 |
Other (non-shell-specific) animal carving materials and articles | Items made from other animal materials (e.g., bone, coral) or non-shell carved goods | β Yes β general "other" category |
π Key Distinction:
- If the sea turtle shell is raw, uncut, powdered, or waste β0506.00
- If it is shaped, carved, polished, or turned into a product β9601.90.20.00or9601.90.80.00
π° 3. 2026 Updated Tariff Rates (Includingιε Taxes & Legal Basis)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 0506.00 β Raw Sea Turtle Shell (Unworked, Defatted, Powder, Waste)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (USITC) | β Not applicable (no 301 tariff on this code) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | β Not applicable (no IEEPA on raw biological waste) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes β eligible for $800 de minimis exemption |
| Legal Basis | USITC:0506.00 β No 301/IEEPA triggers |
π Explanation:
- This code applies only to raw, unprocessed, or waste shell material.
- No additional tariffs are applied under U.S. trade laws.
- However, CITES permits are mandatory for any import of sea turtle shell β even if duty-free.
π― 2. 9601.90.20.00 β Worked Shell and Articles Thereof (e.g., Carved, Polished, Molded Items)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (USITC) | +7.5% (from Section 301 List 3 β China Tariff) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +7.5% (from IEEPA:9903.01.24 β China-related sanctions) |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible (due to IEEPA/301 tariffs) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9601.90.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Despite 0% base duty, both 301 and IEEPA tariffs apply.
- Total 15% due to dual-layer U.S. trade penalties.
- No de minimis exemption β even small shipments (e.g., $500) are subject to full duty.
π― 3. 9601.90.80.00 β Other Animal Carving Materials (e.g., Bone, Coral, Horn β Non-Shell)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (USITC) | +7.5% (Section 301 List 3) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +7.5% (IEEPA:9903.01.24) |
| Total Tax Rate | 18.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 18.7% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9601.90.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code applies when the item is not specifically shell-based, even if made from similar materials (e.g., bone, coral).
- Higher base duty (3.7%) + 15% inιε taxes β 18.7% total.
- No de minimis β must pay full duty.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state HS Code, product description, CIF value, and origin |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show if items are raw shell, carved, or waste |
| β CITES Permit | βοΈ | Mandatory for all sea turtle shell imports β even if duty-free |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show raw vs. worked state β critical for classification |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Needed to verify China origin (affects IEEPA/301) |
| β Lab Test Report (if applicable) | βοΈ | Prove material is not from endangered species |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Smart Declaration Tips)
π₯ "Raw vs. Worked β Duty Doubles!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw shell fragments, powder, waste | 0506.00 |
9601.90.20.00 |
Overpay 15% |
| Carved pendant, inlay, or ornament | 9601.90.20.00 |
0506.00 |
No CITES permit? β Seizure! |
| Made from bone/coral, not shell | 9601.90.80.00 |
9601.90.20.00 |
Underpaying duty β penalties |
π Pro Tip:
Use "Sea Turtle Shell β Carved Ornament, Polished, Not for Food" as product name in invoice.
Avoid vague terms like "natural material" or "decorative piece".
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Management
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| CITES Permit Missing | β DO NOT ship β high risk of seizure, fines, or criminal charges |
| Shipment < $800 but contains worked shell | β Still pay 15% duty β de minimis does not apply |
| Selling as "art" or "jewelry" | β Declare as "work of art" but still require CITES |
| Recycled or reclaimed shell | β Still requires CITES permit β no exceptions |
| Import from non-China origin (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) | β May qualify for IEEPA/301 exemption β apply for pre-ruling |
π 5. Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | CITES Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 0506.00 / 9601.90.20.00 |
0% β 15% | β Yes | IEEPA + 301 apply |
| π¨π³ China | 0506.00 / 9601.90.20.00 |
0% β 5% | β Yes | CITES compliance required |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 0506.00 / 9601.90.20.00 |
0% β 10% | β Yes | CITES & EU Wildlife Regulations |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 0506.00 / 9601.90.20.00 |
0% β 5% | β Yes | CITES & EPBC Act |
| π―π΅ Japan | 0506.00 / 9601.90.20.00 |
0% | β Yes | Strict CITES enforcement |
π Conclusion:
- U.S. has the highest effective duty (15%) on worked sea turtle shell.
- All major markets require CITES permits β no exceptions.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Risk Warnings (Avoid These!)
β Mistake 1: Importing carved sea turtle shell without a CITES permit
π Result: Seizure, fines up to $100,000, or criminal charges.
β Mistake 2: Declaring worked shell as 0506.00 to avoid duty
π Result: Duty underpayment β penalties + back taxes + audit risk.
β Mistake 3: Assuming de minimis applies to worked shell
π Result: Full 15% duty owed β no $800 exemption.
β Mistake 4: Using "natural material" or "ornament" without specifying shell
π Result: Classification dispute β delayed clearance or rejection.
β Correct Approach:
βCarved Sea Turtle Shell Pendant, Polished, 2.5 cm, Artisan Craft, CITES Permit Attached, Origin: Chinaβ
π― 7. Final Verdict: Smart Import Strategy
πΉ Raw shell (powder, waste) β
0506.00β 0% duty, but CITES required
πΉ Worked shell (carved, molded) β9601.90.20.00β 15% total duty, no de minimis
πΉ Other animal materials β9601.90.80.00β 18.7% dutyπ Key Rule:
"If it's shaped, it's taxed. If it's raw, it's still regulated."
π£ Act Now: Avoid Costly Mistakes!
π Contact a CITES-licensed customs broker
π Apply for pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) on HS Code
π‘οΈ Ensure CITES permit is issued before shipment
β¨ Your Import Success Starts with One Correct HS Code
πΌ Precision in Classification = Profit Protection
π Go global β the right way!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.