HS Code for Smoked sea cucumber

Smoked sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 0308.19. Heading 0308 covers aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, including sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish. Subheading 0308.19 is the specific code for sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea) that are not live, fresh, chilled, or frozen. This category includes sea cucumbers that have been dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. In many cultures, sea cucumbers are highly valued and are often traded in a dried and smoked form known as bêche-de-mer. The classification under 0308.19 is essential for the monitoring of trade in these species, many of which are protected under international environmental treaties like CITES. If the sea cucumber is further processed into a prepared food product, such as being canned in a seasoned broth, it would be classified under Heading 1605. For the primary smoked product, 0308.19 remains the standard code for customs and trade statistics. This ensures that the specific species and their state of preservation are accurately recorded for regulatory purposes.

Products Included

• Smoked Stichopus japonicus
• Smoked Holothuroidea
• Dried and smoked sea cucumber (Bêche-de-mer)
• Salted and smoked sea cucumber
• Smoked sea cucumber skins

Common Misclassification

Smoked sea cucumbers are frequently misclassified under HS code 0308.11, which is reserved for live, fresh, or chilled specimens. Another common error is using HS code 1605.61, which is for prepared or preserved sea cucumbers. If the product has only been smoked or dried, it must remain in Chapter 3 under 0308.19.

FAQ

What is the HS code for smoked sea cucumber?

The HS code for smoked sea cucumber is 0308.19, which also includes dried, salted, or brined sea cucumbers.

Is Bêche-de-mer classified under this code?

Yes, Bêche-de-mer, which is typically sea cucumber that has been gutted, boiled, dried, and often smoked, is classified under HS code 0308.19.