Fresh or Chilled Shad and Sturgeon (Whole, Not Fillet, Liver, or Roe)

Sturgeon roe (caviar) is classified separately and, critically, is subject to CITES Appendix II controls for most commercially traded sturgeon species. Importers must obtain valid CITES export and re-export permits for roe shipments. Whole sturgeon without roe under this line still warrants a CITES review if the species is listed, so consulting US Fish and Wildlife Service guidance before import is strongly recommended.

American shad falls within the 'shad' designation here as a residual NESOI line, provided no more specific provision exists for the species in the current HTS schedule. Importers should confirm with a licensed customs broker that no enumerated shad line supersedes this classification for the specific species being imported.