HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0308.22 – Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), frozen
HS code 0308.22 is the 6-digit subheading for aquatic invertebrates, sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), frozen. It is used for frozen sea urchin roe (uni), frozen whole sea urchins, frozen sea urchin gonads, frozen sea urchin meat and frozen uni blocks..
What HS 0308.22 covers
This category covers sea urchins that have been frozen, a high-value aquatic invertebrate primarily traded for their roe, known as 'uni.' The international trade in frozen sea urchins caters to a luxury seafood market, with strong demand from fine dining restaurants and gourmet consumers, particularly in East Asia. Countries with abundant sea urchin populations and advanced freezing capabilities, such as Chile, the United States, and Canada, are key exporters. Importers prioritize quality, freshness (even after freezing), and sustainable sourcing practices. The delicate nature of sea urchin roe necessitates careful handling, rapid freezing techniques, and efficient cold chain logistics to preserve its texture and flavor during transit, making it a premium commodity in global seafood markets.
- Covers
- Frozen sea urchin roe (uni)
- Frozen whole sea urchins
- Frozen sea urchin gonads
- Frozen sea urchin meat
- Frozen uni blocks.
- Examples
- Santa Barbara Uni (frozen variants)
- Hokkaido Uni (frozen variants)
- Maine Uni (frozen)
- Chilean Uni (frozen).
Codes often confused with 0308.22
Common mistake. This code is specifically for *frozen* sea urchins; fresh or chilled sea urchins would fall under 030821. Other frozen aquatic invertebrates, not sea urchins, are classified under 030890.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030822, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030822 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 75% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 72% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $68M 75% of world exports
- 2 China $6.2M 6.9% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$5.2M 5.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $90M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $71M 72% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $9.1M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Italy $7.4M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $99M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 0308.22
Brazil does not split HS 0308.22: its NCM code is 0308.22.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0308.22
What is HS code 030822?
HS code 030822 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), frozen. This category covers sea urchins that have been frozen, a high-value aquatic invertebrate primarily traded for their roe, known as 'uni.' The international trade in frozen sea urchins caters to a luxury seafood market, with strong demand from fine dining restaurants and gourmet consumers, particularly in East Asia. Countries with abundant sea urchin populations and advanced freezing capabilities, such as Chile, the United States, and Canada, are key exporters. Importers prioritize quality, freshness (even after freezing), and sustainable sourcing practices. The delicate nature of sea urchin roe necessitates careful handling, rapid freezing techniques, and efficient cold chain logistics to preserve its texture and flavor during transit, making it a premium commodity in global seafood markets.
What products fall under HS code 030822?
Frozen sea urchin roe (uni), frozen whole sea urchins, frozen sea urchin gonads, frozen sea urchin meat, frozen uni blocks.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030822?
This code is specifically for *frozen* sea urchins; fresh or chilled sea urchins would fall under 030821. Other frozen aquatic invertebrates, not sea urchins, are classified under 030890.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030822?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030822 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($68M, 75% of world exports), China ($6.2M) and Peru (about $5.2M). World exports came to about $90M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 030822?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030822 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($71M, 72% of world imports), South Korea ($9.1M) and Italy ($7.4M). World imports came to about $99M, 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.
How is HS code 030822 structured?
HS code 030822 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 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030822?
In Brazil, HS code 030822 is NCM 0308.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.