HS Code for Fresh sea urchin

HS code 0308.21 is the international standard for classifying fresh, chilled, or live sea urchins. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 3 includes various aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0308 specifically excludes crustaceans (0306) and molluscs (0307), focusing instead on other invertebrates like sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Subheading 0308.21 covers specific genera such as Strongylocentrotus, Paracentrotus, Loxechinus, and Echinus. To qualify for this code, the sea urchins must be presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This includes whole sea urchins or the edible gonads (roe), provided they have not been cooked, frozen, or otherwise preserved. The classification is strictly based on the state of the product at the time of customs declaration. If the sea urchins are transported in seawater to keep them alive, they still fall under this code. The distinction between fresh and chilled is based on whether the product is at ambient temperature or has been cooled to near-freezing temperatures.

Products Included

• Live Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (Green sea urchin)
• Fresh sea urchin roe (Uni) chilled on trays
• Live Paracentrotus lividus in shell
• Chilled Loxechinus albus from South American waters
• Freshly harvested Echinus esculentus kept on ice

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for this product is 0308.22, which applies to frozen sea urchins. Another frequent error involves 0308.29, which is used for sea urchins that are dried, salted, or in brine. If the sea urchin roe has been steamed or otherwise cooked before being chilled, it may be classified under 1605.62 as a prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrate. It is essential to distinguish between the raw, chilled roe (0308.21) and the processed versions to avoid tariff discrepancies.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh sea urchin?

The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins is 0308.21.

Is fresh sea urchin roe (Uni) included in this code?

Yes, fresh or chilled sea urchin roe is classified under 0308.21, provided it has not been cooked or frozen.