Worked Bone, Tortoise-Shell, Horn, Coral, Mother-of-Pearl & Other Animal Carving Materials

Tortoise-shell (from sea turtles, all CITES Appendix I), certain hard corals, and products derived from other CITES-listed species require both an export permit from the country of origin and a US import permit from USFWS. Mother-of-pearl from non-listed species and worked bone from common livestock generally do not require CITES documentation, but importers must be able to demonstrate the species source if questioned at the port of entry. Consult a licensed customs broker or wildlife trade attorney to confirm permit requirements for specific materials before importation.

Coral classifiable under 9601904000 must be cut but not yet set into a finished jewelry piece — it occupies the intermediate stage between raw coral and a finished article of jewelry. Once coral is set into a mounting or combined with precious metal findings, it typically moves to Chapter 71 (jewelry). The distinction matters because the applicable duty rate and any CITES documentation requirements remain tied to the correct heading.