Dried, Salted, Brined, or Smoked Crabs and Crabmeat

Line 0306932000 covers preserved crabmeat — the picked, shell-free meat — while 0306934000 covers whole or sectioned crabs that are not in crabmeat form. The distinction follows the same logic as in the fresh/chilled crab heading: crabmeat is a further-processed product with different commercial uses and labeling requirements. Importers should ensure invoices clearly specify whether the product is picked meat or whole/sectioned crab to support accurate classification.

FDA has identified decomposition, elevated histamine levels, and filth as recurring violations in preserved crabmeat from certain origins, and some suppliers have been placed under import alerts requiring private laboratory testing before FDA will release shipments. Importers should conduct supplier audits, request certificates of analysis for histamine and microbial parameters, and confirm that the foreign facility is FDA-registered with a current HACCP plan. Consult a licensed customs broker or FDA-registered import specialist for admissibility guidance specific to your supplier and origin.