Several sea cucumber species are listed under CITES Appendix II, requiring valid export permits from the country of origin. Canada, as the leading supplier, manages its sea cucumber fisheries under domestic regulations, but importers should verify the CITES listing status of the specific species in each shipment, as listings have expanded in recent years and non-compliance results in seizure at the port of entry.

Importers must file prior notice with FDA and ensure the foreign shipper operates under a seafood HACCP plan covering live or fresh echinoderms. Species identification — ideally at the genus and species level — should appear on commercial invoices and packing lists, both to support correct HTS classification and to satisfy any applicable CITES documentation requirements. Consulting a licensed customs broker familiar with seafood and wildlife trade is advisable.