Roes from sturgeon species listed under CITES Appendix II — which includes virtually all commercially harvested sturgeon — require CITES export permits from the country of origin and US Fish & Wildlife Service import documentation. Paddlefish roe, sourced domestically or from certain countries, may have different requirements. Importers should verify current CITES listings and US import conditions before contracting. Consult a licensed customs broker for current documentation requirements.

This heading covers only fresh or chilled roes — product that has not been salted, smoked, dried, or otherwise preserved. Salted caviar and other preserved roes fall under separate SITC headings. The distinction is commercially significant because processing method affects both classification and the applicable regulatory pathway at entry.