0308 - Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process:

HTS Category 0308 encompasses a diverse range of aquatic invertebrates, excluding crustaceans and molluscs. This classification is specifically for live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, brined, or smoked forms of these creatures. Importantly, the smoking process for these invertebrates can occur either before or during their preparation, and they may or may not be cooked prior to smoking.

Distinguishing Category 0308 from its siblings, such as live animals of Chapters 01 and 02, is crucial. While Chapter 01 deals with live mammals and Chapter 02 with live poultry, 0308 specifically targets a different phylum of marine life: invertebrates that are neither arthropods (like crustaceans) nor bivalves/gastropods (like molluscs). This focus allows for precise tariff application to unique aquatic organisms.

Within Category 0308, further subdivisions exist to classify specific types of aquatic invertebrates. For instance, distinct subheadings are allocated to sea cucumbers and sea urchins, recognizing their unique biological and commercial characteristics. The classification also includes a subheading for jellyfish and an "Other" category for any remaining aquatic invertebrates that do not fit into the more specific subheadings, ensuring comprehensive coverage.