HS Code for Cuttlebone

Cuttlebone is classified under HS code 0508.00, which covers animal products such as coral, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, or echinoderms, and cuttle-bone. The primary requirement for classification under this heading is that the material must be unworked or simply prepared. "Simply prepared" generally includes processes like cleaning, drying, or basic cutting to remove waste, provided the material has not been cut to a specific shape for a final use. Cuttlebone, the internal skeletal structure of cuttlefish, is primarily composed of aragonite. It is widely used in the pet industry as a calcium-rich dietary supplement for birds and reptiles. Even when packaged for retail sale in the pet industry, it remains under 0508.00 as long as it has not been ground into a complex preparation with other ingredients. If the cuttlebone is pulverized into a fine powder, it still remains within this code as the heading explicitly includes "powder and waste thereof." However, if it were to be carved into decorative items or industrial molds, it would move to Chapter 96. The classification logic follows GRI 1, where the specific mention of "cuttle-bone" in the heading text of 0508 takes precedence over more general headings. It is also important to note that this heading excludes products that have been further worked than simply prepared, such as those that have been polished or shaped for jewelry, which would fall under 9601.

Products Included

• Raw cuttlebone
• Cleaned and dried cuttlebone
• Cuttlebone powder
• Cuttlebone waste
• Cuttlebone for bird cages

Common Misclassification

Cuttlebone is often misclassified under 2309.90 (animal feed preparations) when sold in pet stores. However, unless it is mixed with other nutrients or processed into pellets, it remains in 0508.00. It is also sometimes confused with 9601.90 if it is perceived as a "worked" animal carving material.

FAQ

What is the HS code for cuttlebone?

The HS code for cuttlebone, whether whole or in powder form, is 0508.00.

Is cuttlebone considered a processed animal protein?

No, it is classified as a shell/bone material under 0508.00 and is generally not subject to the same regulations as processed animal proteins (PAPs) in heading 0511.