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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of coral, shell, cuttlebone, unworked & waste (SITC 29115) totaled $514K in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.
Importers of Coral, Shell, Cuttlebone, Unworked & Waste paid $38K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 19% on $205K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Coral, Shell, Cuttlebone, Unworked & Waste imports of $514K in April 2026 ran 33% below the year-to-date monthly average of $766K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataUnworked coral, mollusk shells, and cuttlebone — along with their powders and waste — enter trade as raw materials for jewelry, aquarium decoration, dietary calcium supplements, and cuttlefish bone products for pet birds. Coral is subject to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) controls: most stony coral species require CITES export permits from the country of origin and CITES import documentation reviewed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service at entry. Shell and cuttlebone not derived from CITES-listed species face fewer restrictions but may still require USDA APHIS review if they are of animal origin and not fully processed. Importers should verify the CITES listing status of any coral species before contracting, as violations carry significant civil and criminal penalties.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Most stony (scleractinian) corals are listed under CITES Appendix II, requiring both a CITES export permit from the country of origin and a CITES import permit or declaration reviewed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Black coral (Antipatharia) is listed under Appendix II as well. Importers should identify the species in their shipment before contracting, as some coral products — particularly those from non-CITES-listed species — may be exempt, but the burden of proof rests with the importer.
Cuttlebone (the internal shell of cuttlefish) from non-CITES-listed species is generally not subject to CITES controls, but it is an animal-origin product and may require an APHIS import permit or health certificate depending on the country of origin and intended use. Cuttlebone destined for use as a dietary supplement or animal feed ingredient may also require FDA review. Importers should confirm current APHIS and FDA requirements for the specific end use before shipment to avoid port-of-entry holds.
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Monthly import values over time