Shark fins prepared or preserved for consumption occupy a legally sensitive position in US trade: multiple US states have enacted bans on the sale and possession of shark fins, and federal law under the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act prohibits the sale, purchase, or possession of shark fins in interstate commerce, effectively restricting commercial import for domestic sale. Importers should consult legal counsel and a licensed customs broker before attempting any entry under this heading, as admissibility is subject to both federal statutory restrictions and state-level prohibitions that may independently bar the product. FDA seafood HACCP requirements would apply to any permissible entry, and documentation of species and fin-attachment status may be required to demonstrate compliance with applicable wildlife trade laws.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.