FWS eased declaration rules for squid, octopus and cuttlefish imports
CBP title: Notice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding Final Rule Amending 50 CFR Part 10 Shellfish Definition and Updated Tariff Flagging
This message is from July 15, 2026. Later CSMS messages may have changed it. See the latest trade news
What did CBP announce?
CBP announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service amended its shellfish definition to exempt squid, octopus and cuttlefish imported or exported for consumption from FWS declaration, license and clearance requirements. Effective July 23, 2026, CBP changed the FWS tariff flag on the listed HTS codes from FW2 (must file) to FW1 (may file). The change applied to entries and exports of these products for human or animal consumption.
What is Allied's position?
At the time, this meant filers no longer had to submit FWS declaration data on the listed HTS codes for shellfish moving for consumption, easing entry filing for those shipments. Later CSMS messages may have changed these flags or the underlying rule, so clients with active entries under these HTS codes should ask us to confirm current PGA requirements before filing. Clients do not need to take independent action on this notice.
General information, not legal advice.
What does the CBP message say?
Effective July 23, 2026, wildlife or wildlife products meeting the amended definition of shellfish (such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish) that are being imported or exported for human, or animal consumption will be exempt from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) declaration, license, and clearance requirements. FWS data will no longer be required for these commodities if imported or exported for the purpose of consumption.
Accordingly, on July 23, 2026, the FWS tariff flag code for the following HTS codes will change from FW2 (MUST file) to FW1 (MAY file):
HTS (10-digit)
Unofficial HTS Description
0307420020
SQUD,CUT FISH,LIV,FRSH,OR CHL
0307420040
SQUID,NT/LOLIGO,LIVE,FRSH,CHIL
0307420060
CUTTLE FISH, LIVE,FRSH OR CHLL
0307430010
OTHER, SQUID,FROZEN FILLETS
0307430022
LOLIGO OPALESCENS,OTH LOLIGO,OTH SQUID,CUTTLE FISH
0307430024
LOLIGO PEALEI,OTH LOLIGO,OTH SQUID,CUTTLE FISH
0307430029
OTHER SQUID,OTHER,LOLIGO,OTHER
0307430050
MOLLUSCS, WHETH SHELL/NOT,LIVE,FRESH,OTHER SQUID,OTHER
0307430060
CUTTLEFISH, OTHR THN LVE,FR,CH
0307490122
0307490124
0307490129
0307490150
0307490160
0307510000
OCTOPUS, LIVE, FRESH OR CHILLED
0307520000
OCTOPUS, OTHER THAN LIVE, FRESH OR CHILLED
0307590100
1605546010
CRUSTACEANS,MOLLUSCS,& OTHER AQUATIC INVERTEB,CUTTIE FISH
1605546020
SQUID, OTHER, LOLIGO
1605546030
SQUID, OTHER
For additional information, please see: OLE Public Bulletin- Final Rule Amending 50 CFR Part 10 Shellfish Definition 26-002 06-26-2026 (https://www.fws.gov/media/ole-public-bulletin-final-rule-amending-50-cfr-part-10-shellfish-definition-26-002-06-26-2026)
For questions about this CSMS please email lawenforcement@fws.gov (mailto:lawenforcement@fws.gov).