Basic heading 227 of 239 in section 2
Silkworm cocoons in a condition suitable for reeling—meaning the pupae have been stifled and the cocoons are intact enough to yield continuous filament—represent the earliest-stage traded form of the silk supply chain. USDA APHIS exercises quarantine authority over imported insect-derived biological materials, and importers should verify admissibility requirements before arranging shipment, as live or insufficiently processed cocoons may face additional restrictions. The reelable cocoon specification is commercially critical: damaged, double, or pierced cocoons are classified separately as silk waste.
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A cocoon is suitable for reeling when it is intact, the pupa has been killed (stifled), and the filament can be unwound continuously without breaking. Cocoons that are pierced (where the moth has emerged), double (two caterpillars in one cocoon), or otherwise damaged cannot yield a continuous filament and are classified as silk waste not suitable for reeling under a separate heading.
Yes. USDA APHIS has authority over imported insect-derived materials that could pose a plant or agricultural pest risk. Importers should consult APHIS import regulations and obtain any required permits before shipment. Properly stifled cocoons with no live insects present are generally treated differently from live material, but documentation confirming the stifling process is advisable to facilitate clearance.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
Low of 3 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. exported $182K of Silkworm Cocoons Suitable for Reeling.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 3 of 12 months reported, exports 7 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.