Product classification
HS code for Canned sea urchins: 1605.62
Aquatic invertebrates, sea urchins, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned sea urchins under HS 1605.62
Sea urchins, when prepared or preserved and packaged in airtight containers, are classified under HS code 1605.62. This code is part of the broader category for aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. The classification is based on the degree of processing; sea urchins that are merely chilled or frozen remain in Chapter 03, specifically under heading 0308. However, once they are cooked, salted, or preserved in vinegar or other media, they move to Chapter 16. Canned sea urchin roe, often referred to as \"uni,\" is the most common product in this category. The preparation process often involves cleaning, steaming, or preserving the roe to maintain its texture and flavor over a long shelf life. HS code 1605.62 ensures that these specific aquatic invertebrates are tracked accurately in international trade, distinguishing them from more common seafood like fish or shrimp based on their biological classification as echinoderms.
- Covers
- Canned sea urchin roe (uni)
- Sea urchins preserved in brine
- Prepared sea urchin paste in airtight containers
- Salted sea urchins in jars
- Sea urchins in vinegar or oil
- Also under 1605.62
- Santa Barbara Uni
- Hokkaido Uni (frozen)
- Chilean Sea Urchin Roe
- Urchinomics (sustainable uni)
Codes often confused with 1605.62
Common mistake. Sea urchins are often misclassified under HS code 0308, which is the correct code for fresh, chilled, or frozen sea urchins. The transition to 1605.62 occurs only when the product is prepared or preserved beyond the simple methods allowed in Chapter 03. Additionally, they may be confused with 1605.61 (sea cucumbers) or 1605.63 (jellyfish) if the importer does not distinguish between the different types of aquatic invertebrates listed in the 1605 subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160562 (the code used for canned sea urchins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160562 (the code used for canned sea urchins) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 160562, not only canned sea urchins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $2.5M 37% of world exports
- 2 Chile $1.4M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.1M 16% of world exports
World total: $6.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $2.5M 28% of world imports
- 2 Japan $2.0M 22% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $618K 6.8% of world imports
World total: $9.1M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 canned sea urchins
Brazil classifies canned sea urchins under NCM 1605.62.00: HS 1605.62 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned sea urchins
What is the HS code for Canned sea urchins?
The HS code for Canned sea urchins is 160562 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved sea urchins, including canned roe, is 1605.62.
How do I classify Canned sea urchins for customs?
Canned sea urchins is classified under HS code 160562 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sea urchin roe included in this classification?
Yes, prepared or preserved sea urchin roe (uni) packaged in airtight containers is classified under 1605.62.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned sea urchins (HS 160562)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160562 (the code used for canned sea urchins) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($2.5M, 37% of world exports), Chile ($1.4M) and Japan ($1.1M). World exports came to about $6.9M, 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 canned sea urchins (HS 160562)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160562 (the code used for canned sea urchins) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($2.5M, 28% of world imports), Japan ($2.0M) and Malaysia ($618K). World imports came to about $9.1M, 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.
Is the HS code for Canned sea urchins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160562 for Canned sea urchins is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for canned sea urchins in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned sea urchins (HS 160562) is classified under NCM 1605.62.00.