Caviar (Prepared from Sturgeon Roe)

All sturgeon species are listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade requires export permits issued by the country of origin and import documentation accepted by US Fish & Wildlife Service. Shipments lacking valid CITES documentation are subject to seizure at the port of entry.

China, Germany, and Italy lead US caviar imports under this heading, largely driven by farmed sturgeon operations. Poland and France are also notable suppliers. Importers should verify that each source country's CITES export quota has not been exhausted for the relevant sturgeon species.

Yes. FDA regulates caviar as a processed seafood product under the Seafood HACCP regulation, and prior notice of importation is required. Admissibility and classification are complex — consult a licensed customs broker or FDA prior to importation.