HTS Code: 0506 — Bones and Horn-cores, Unworked, Defatted, Simply Prepared

HTS 0506 encompasses various animal-derived raw materials such as bones, horn-cores, antlers, ivory, tortoise-shell, whalebone and similar substances. These materials are classified whether they are unworked, defatted, or simply prepared but not further processed or manufactured.

The heading includes:

• Unworked or simply prepared bones: Cleaned, degreased bones from animals, typically used for industrial or craft purposes.
• Horn-cores and antlers: Natural horn-cores and antlers, possibly defatted but not shaped or carved.
• Ivory and tortoise-shell: Raw or simply prepared ivory tusks and pieces of tortoise-shell.
• Whalebone (baleen): Baleen from whales, used historically for various products.

These materials can be in their natural form or may have undergone simple preparations like bleaching, drying, or defatting but are not considered worked into finished products.

Code Hierarchy

• Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
• Chapter 05: Products of Animal Origin, Not Elsewhere Specified or Included
• Heading 0506: Bones and horn-cores, unworked, defatted, simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste of these products.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 0506.XX.XXXX – The full code specifies the exact material and state.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0506 is further subdivided into 6-digit and 10-digit codes distinguishing specific materials and their preparation state.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To prevent misclassification, note the following exclusions:

• Worked or carved bone, horn, ivory products: Finished or shaped items fall under Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles).
• Raw hides and skins: Classified under Chapter 41 or 43.
• Feathers or down: Covered under Chapter 05 but different headings.
• Rendered fats or oils: Classified under Chapter 15.
• Products with synthetic or composite materials: Classified elsewhere depending on composition.

Notes

• CITES Regulations: Ivory and certain horn materials are subject to restrictions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Import/export requires appropriate permits and documentation.
• Duty Rates: Tariffs vary by specific 10-digit code and material. Some items may be duty-free or subject to quotas or special trade agreements.
• USDA/APHIS Controls: Certain animal-origin materials may require inspection or permits to ensure they do not carry animal diseases.

Declaration Example

Product: Shipment of unworked, defatted bovine bones for industrial use.

US HTS Code: 0506.10.0000 (Bones and horn-cores, unworked, defatted, simply prepared)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Variable, check current USHTS (often low or duty-free)

Additional Requirements: Compliance with USDA/APHIS import regulations, no CITES permits required for bovine bones.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 0505: Bird skins and other parts of birds (excluding feathers).
• HTS 0511: Animal products not elsewhere specified, such as animal hair, bristles, and waste.
• HTS 9601: Worked ivory and similar articles.
• HTS 4101: Raw hides and skins of bovine animals.