0306.92.00.00 - Lobsters (Homarus spp.)

This HTS category, 0306.92.00.00, specifically covers lobsters belonging to the genus *Homarus*. This includes, but is not limited to, the American lobster (*Homarus americanus*) and the European lobster (*Homarus vulgaris*). These crustaceans are classified here regardless of their condition, whether live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The category also encompasses smoked lobsters of the *Homarus* genus, including those cooked before or during the smoking process, as well as those cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in their shells, irrespective of subsequent chilling, freezing, drying, salting, or brining.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. While both 0306.92.00.00 and 0306.91.00.00 fall under the broader "Other" subheading for crustaceans, the former is exclusively for *Homarus* species, whereas the latter is designated for rock lobster and other sea crawfish from genera such as *Palinurus*, *Panulirus*, and *Jasus*. Similarly, 0306.94.00.00 is reserved for Norway lobsters (*Nephrops norvegicus*), and 0306.95.00 covers shrimps and prawns. The residual category, 0306.99.01.00, is for any other crustaceans not specifically listed elsewhere within this section.

As a leaf node, 0306.92.00.00 has no further subdivisions. Classification within this code relies on the accurate identification of the species as belonging to the *Homarus* genus, based on morphological characteristics and, if necessary, scientific verification. This classification ensures that these specific types of lobsters are properly accounted for within the international trade framework.