About HS Code 030821
This category covers live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins, specifically mentioning popular species like Strongylocentrotus spp. (e.g., red and green sea urchins) and Paracentrotus lividus (purple sea urchin). Sea urchin roe, known as 'uni,' is a highly prized delicacy in gourmet cuisine, particularly in Japanese and other East Asian markets, valued for its rich, creamy texture and distinct oceanic flavor. The trade in live or fresh sea urchins demands extremely fast and careful logistics to maintain their quality and freshness, as the roe is highly perishable. This often involves specialized air freight and meticulous handling to ensure the product arrives in pristine condition. Importers are typically countries with high-end seafood markets and strong demand for uni, such as Japan, China, and South Korea. Exporters are coastal nations with abundant sea urchin populations and efficient harvesting operations, including Canada, the United States, and Chile, which supply these premium products.
Products Under This Code
Live red sea urchin, fresh green sea urchin, chilled purple sea urchin, live Chilean sea urchin, fresh edible sea urchin, chilled sea urchin roe (uni), live California sea urchin.
Real World Examples
Santa Barbara Red Sea Urchin, Hokkaido Uni, Maine Green Sea Urchin, Chilean Loxechinus albus.
Common Misclassification
This code is for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins; misclassification can occur with 030822 (frozen sea urchins) if the preservation state is not clearly defined. Prepared sea urchin roe (e.g., in sauces or processed) might fall under Chapter 16.
Products Classified Under 0308.21
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Japan, China, and South Korea are the leading importers, with Canada, the United States, and Chile being significant exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030821?
HS code 030821 covers: Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled. This category covers live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins, specifically mentioning popular species like Strongylocentrotus spp. (e.g., red and green sea urchins) and Paracentrotus lividus (purple sea urchin). Sea urchin roe, known as 'uni,' is a highly prized delicacy in gourmet cuisine, particularly in Japanese and other East Asian markets, valued for its rich, creamy texture and distinct oceanic flavor. The trade in live or fresh sea urchins demands extremely fast and careful logistics to maintain their quality and freshness, as the roe is highly perishable. This often involves specialized air freight and meticulous handling to ensure the product arrives in pristine condition. Importers are typically countries with high-end seafood markets and strong demand for uni, such as Japan, China, and South Korea. Exporters are coastal nations with abundant sea urchin populations and efficient harvesting operations, including Canada, the United States, and Chile, which supply these premium products.
What products fall under HS code 030821?
Live red sea urchin, fresh green sea urchin, chilled purple sea urchin, live Chilean sea urchin, fresh edible sea urchin, chilled sea urchin roe (uni), live California sea urchin.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030821?
This code is for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins; misclassification can occur with 030822 (frozen sea urchins) if the preservation state is not clearly defined. Prepared sea urchin roe (e.g., in sauces or processed) might fall under Chapter 16.
How is HS code 030821 structured?
HS code 030821 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.