HS 050800

Coral, Mollusk Shells, Crustacean Shells, Echinoderms, and Cuttlebone (Unworked); Powder and Waste

U.S. imports of coral, mollusk shells, crustacean shells, echinoderms, and cuttlebone (unworked); powder and waste (HS 050800) totaled $514K in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.

Last updated: April 2026 data

Indonesia leads US imports under this heading, supplying unworked shells, coral, and cuttlebone used in aquarium trade, jewelry, craft manufacturing, and animal nutrition (cuttlebone as a calcium supplement for cage birds). Coral is subject to CITES Appendix II controls for many species, requiring export permits from the country of origin and USFWS review at US entry. Shell powder and waste from mollusks and crustaceans also serve as calcium carbonate inputs for poultry feed and soil amendment, broadening the commercial scope of this single 10-digit heading (0508000000).

Track Coral, Mollusk Shells, Crustacean Shells, Echinoderms, and Cuttlebone (Unworked); Powder and Waste and get alerts when trade data updates

Create a free account to build your watchlist

Create free account

Imports

$514K

from 24 countries · YTD: $3.1M

Exports

$213K

Deficit of $302K (net importer)

Trade balance: deficit of $302K (net importer)

YTD: $3.1M imported (April 2026)

64 shipments/month

Top Import Sources

View all

1CHINA

Import Trend (12 months)

Monthly import values over time

Geographic Breakdown

DEAD HORSES, SWINE ETC (INEDIBLE) & PRODUCTS NESOI

HS 051199

$48.5M

PRODUCTS & DEAD FISH, MOLLUSCS ETC, INEDIBLE NESOI

HS 051191

$6.0M

ANIMAL (NOT FISH) GUTS, BLADDERS, STOMACHS & PARTS

HS 050400

Suppliers

Supplier Network

Are you a supplier of this product?

Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 050800 — Coral, Mollusk Shells, Crustacean Shells, Echinoderms, and Cuttlebone (Unworked); Powder and Waste. Be the first supplier listed.

Trade Tools

HS Code Lookup Trade Balance Calculator All Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Which coral species require CITES permits for import into the United States?

Most stony corals (Order Scleractinia) and several other coral groups are listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning a valid CITES export permit from the country of origin and USFWS review are required for import. Certain coral species are listed under Appendix I, making commercial import effectively prohibited. Importers should confirm the species-level CITES status with USFWS before sourcing, as 'coral' encompasses a wide range of organisms with varying protection levels.

How is unworked shell distinguished from shell that has been 'cut to shape' for classification purposes?

Heading 050800 covers shells that are unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape. Shells that have been cut, drilled, polished, or otherwise shaped for use as jewelry components or decorative articles are typically classified in Chapter 71 or Chapter 96 depending on their form and use. The line between 'simply prepared' and 'cut to shape' is a common classification issue; consult a licensed customs broker when the shell has undergone any mechanical shaping.