Fresh or Chilled Cuttlefish, Octopus and Squid

Because fresh cuttlefish, squid, and octopus have very limited shelf life, importers typically file entry documentation in advance of vessel or air arrival to minimize port dwell time. FDA prior notice must be submitted before arrival, and importers should coordinate with their customs broker and the port's FDA district office to arrange expedited examination if the shipment is flagged. Some importers use continuous bonds and remote filing to accelerate release.

No — calamari is simply the culinary trade name for squid, most commonly referring to Loligo or Illex species. For customs classification, the species and preservation state govern the heading, not the trade name. However, using both the common name (squid or calamari) and the scientific species name on commercial invoices helps avoid classification disputes and supports country-of-origin traceability.