Product classification
HS code for Chilled sea urchin: 0308.21
Aquatic invertebrates, sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chilled sea urchin under HS 0308.21
Chilled sea urchin is classified under HS code 0308.21, which is situated within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0308 is reserved for aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish. The subheading 0308.21 is precisely defined for sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus) that are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. Classification under this code requires that the product has not been frozen, dried, salted, or cooked. Chilling refers to the process of reducing the temperature of the product to near 0°C (32°F) without freezing it, which preserves the delicate texture of the gonads, often referred to as 'uni' in culinary contexts. This code applies to both the whole animal and the extracted edible parts, provided they remain fresh or chilled.
- Covers
- Live sea urchins for immediate consumption or aquaculture
- Whole fresh sea urchins packed in ice
- Chilled sea urchin gonads (uni) in plastic or wooden trays
- Fresh sea urchins of the genus Strongylocentrotus
- Chilled sea urchin roe without added preservatives
- Also under 0308.21
- Santa Barbara Red Sea Urchin
- Hokkaido Uni
- Maine Green Sea Urchin
- Chilean Loxechinus albus.
Codes often confused with 0308.21
Common mistake. A frequent error in classification involves confusing 0308.21 with 0308.22, which is the specific code for frozen sea urchins. If the product has been subjected to temperatures below freezing for preservation, it must be moved to 0308.22. Additionally, if the sea urchin has been prepared or preserved (e.g., cooked, smoked, or canned), it may fall under HS code 1605.62. Another common confusion arises with HS code 0308.29, which covers sea urchins that are dried, salted, or in brine. Importers must ensure the preservation method is strictly 'chilled' to maintain 0308.21 eligibility.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030821 (the code used for chilled sea urchin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030821 (the code used for chilled sea urchin) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 47% 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 030821, not only chilled sea urchin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$95M 43% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Japan $60M 27% of world exports
- 3 Canada $15M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $218M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $108M 47% of world imports
- 2 United States $47M 20% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $21M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $233M 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 chilled sea urchin
Brazil classifies chilled sea urchin under NCM 0308.21.00: HS 0308.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled sea urchin
What is the HS code for Chilled sea urchin?
The HS code for Chilled sea urchin is 030821 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for chilled sea urchin is 0308.21, which covers live, fresh, or chilled specimens of specific genera.
How do I classify Chilled sea urchin for customs?
Chilled sea urchin is classified under HS code 030821 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0308.21 include sea urchin roe?
Yes, fresh or chilled sea urchin roe (gonads) is classified under 0308.21, provided it has not been frozen or further processed.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled sea urchin (HS 030821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030821 (the code used for chilled sea urchin) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $95M, 43% of world exports), Japan ($60M) and Canada ($15M). World exports came to about $218M, 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 chilled sea urchin (HS 030821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030821 (the code used for chilled sea urchin) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($108M, 47% of world imports), the United States ($47M) and Hong Kong ($21M). World imports came to about $233M, 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 Chilled sea urchin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030821 for Chilled sea urchin 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 chilled sea urchin in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled sea urchin (HS 030821) is classified under NCM 0308.21.00.