HS Code 03.08 – 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

HS code 0308 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: 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. Heading 0308 serves as the residual classification for 'Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs.' This comprehensive category covers a diverse array of marine and freshwater invertebrates not falling under the more specific headings 0306 (Crustaceans) or 0307 (Molluscs). It includes products in various states: live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked forms, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. This classification is vital for international trade as it captures niche but often high-value seafood products like sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish, which are significant in specific culinary traditions, particularly in Asian markets. The scope clearly defines its boundaries by excluding crustaceans and molluscs, ensuring proper categorization for these 'other' aquatic invertebrates. Key sub-categories are defined by species (e.g., sea urchin roe, dried sea cucumber) and preservation method. This heading is crucial for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, import regulations, and specific sanitary protocols tailored to these unique species. Historically, many of these items have been regional delicacies, now gaining broader international recognition. As part of Chapter 3, this heading completes the chapter's comprehensive coverage of aquatic products in their raw or simply processed forms, ensuring all edible aquatic invertebrates are accounted for.

Live sea urchins, fresh sea cucumbers, frozen jellyfish, dried sea urchin roe (uni), salted sea cucumbers, brined sea urchins, smoked sea cucumbers, fresh sea squirts, frozen sea anemones, dried jellyfish, salted sea worms, live marine worms (edible), frozen holothurians (sea cucumbers), dried sea squirts, smoked sea urchin roe, live tunicates (sea squirts), fresh polychaetes (marine worms), frozen brittle stars (edible), dried starfish (edible), live sand dollars (edible), fresh sea grapes (if Tunicate, not algae), frozen sea pens, dried sea blubber.

Misclassification under HS 0308 often occurs when traders incorrectly identify an aquatic invertebrate as a mollusc (0307) or crustacean (0306), or vice-versa, due to unfamiliarity with less common species. The explicit exclusion of crustaceans and molluscs is paramount. Another common mistake is classifying prepared or preserved forms, such as seasoned jellyfish salads or sea cucumber in sauce, under 0308 instead of 1605 ('prepared or preserved crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'). Products fit for human consumption must be distinguished from inedible waste, which falls under 0511. The 'other than' clause is the definitive boundary for this heading.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0308 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $95M, 14% of world exports), Japan ($82M) and China ($72M). World exports came to about $692M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0308 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($205M, 28% of world imports), Hong Kong ($148M) and the United States ($63M). World imports came to about $728M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 0308 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.