9817.00.70.00 - Animals, game, imported to be liberated in the United States for stocking purposes

This HTS category, 9817.00.70.00, specifically covers live animals, including game, that are imported into the United States with the sole purpose of being released for stocking purposes. This classification is distinct from standard importations of live animals intended for consumption, breeding, or other commercial uses. The key criterion for classification under this heading is the explicit intent for liberation into the U.S. environment to replenish wild populations, support conservation efforts, or for similar stocking initiatives.

While the broader scope of Chapter 98 deals with special classification provisions, this particular code carves out a niche for specific types of animal imports. It differentiates itself from the vast array of animal classifications found in Chapters 01 through 05, which generally cover animals for trade and commerce rather than conservation-focused stocking. For instance, while 0101 covers live horses for various purposes, 9817.00.70.00 would not apply to horses imported for recreational riding. Similarly, game imported for sporting purposes (hunting) would likely fall under different classifications if not explicitly for stocking wild populations.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS database, there are no further subcategories to describe. Classification under 9817.00.70.00 is dependent on demonstrating the intended use as stocking material. This typically requires supporting documentation from relevant U.S. government agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or state wildlife agencies, confirming the import's purpose for conservation or population enhancement. The animals must be live and, by definition, game or other species suitable for liberation into natural habitats.