HS Code Subheading

Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins, prepared or preserved

1605.62 Subheading
Section IV — Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

About HS Code 160562

This HS code pertains to sea urchins that have undergone preparation or preservation, primarily focusing on their highly prized roe, known as 'uni,' a delicacy in many high-end cuisines, especially Japanese. The trade encompasses forms such as frozen, canned, or otherwise processed sea urchin roe, moving beyond simple chilling. Major importers are countries with a significant appetite for premium seafood, including Japan, the USA, and parts of Europe. Exporters are typically nations possessing substantial sea urchin fisheries and advanced processing capabilities, such as Chile, the USA (particularly California and Maine), Canada, and Japan itself. Critical factors in this trade include maintaining the delicate quality and freshness of the roe, stringent quality grading, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices to protect marine ecosystems, and efficient cold chain logistics to preserve product integrity during international transit. The market is highly sensitive to quality and origin.

Products Under This Code

Frozen sea urchin roe (uni), canned sea urchin, sea urchin paste, sea urchin sashimi grade (frozen), sea urchin in brine, prepared sea urchin salads

Real World Examples

Santa Barbara Uni, Hokkaido Uni (frozen), Chilean Sea Urchin Roe, Urchinomics (sustainable uni)

Common Misclassification

Can be mistaken for fresh sea urchins (0308.21) or other prepared aquatic invertebrates (1605.69) if not clearly sea urchin.

Products Classified Under 1605.62

Prepared sea urchinsCanned sea urchins

Related Codes

1605.10 Crustacean preparations; crab, prepared or preserved 1605.21 Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers 1605.29 Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers 1605.30 Crustacean preparations; lobster, prepared or preserved 1605.40 Crustacean preparations; other than crab, shrimps, prawns, and lobsters, prepared or preserved 1605.51 Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved 1605.52 Mollusc preparations; scallops, including queen scallops, prepared or preserved 1605.53 Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved 1605.54 Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved 1605.55 Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved

Industry

This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.

Trade Overview

Japan is the largest importer, with Chile, USA, and Canada being significant exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 160562?

HS code 160562 covers: Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins, prepared or preserved. This HS code pertains to sea urchins that have undergone preparation or preservation, primarily focusing on their highly prized roe, known as 'uni,' a delicacy in many high-end cuisines, especially Japanese. The trade encompasses forms such as frozen, canned, or otherwise processed sea urchin roe, moving beyond simple chilling. Major importers are countries with a significant appetite for premium seafood, including Japan, the USA, and parts of Europe. Exporters are typically nations possessing substantial sea urchin fisheries and advanced processing capabilities, such as Chile, the USA (particularly California and Maine), Canada, and Japan itself. Critical factors in this trade include maintaining the delicate quality and freshness of the roe, stringent quality grading, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices to protect marine ecosystems, and efficient cold chain logistics to preserve product integrity during international transit. The market is highly sensitive to quality and origin.

What products fall under HS code 160562?

Frozen sea urchin roe (uni), canned sea urchin, sea urchin paste, sea urchin sashimi grade (frozen), sea urchin in brine, prepared sea urchin salads

What are common misclassifications for HS code 160562?

Can be mistaken for fresh sea urchins (0308.21) or other prepared aquatic invertebrates (1605.69) if not clearly sea urchin.

How is HS code 160562 structured?

HS code 160562 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (16) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (62) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.