Product classification
HS code for Frozen sea urchin: 0308.22
Aquatic invertebrates, sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), frozen.
Classification of frozen sea urchin under HS 0308.22
Classification of frozen sea urchins falls under HS code 0308.22. This code is situated within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0308 is reserved for aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0308.22 is dedicated to sea urchins that have undergone the freezing process. This classification is determined by the state of the product (frozen) and its biological nature as an echinoderm. The Harmonized System specifically names several species under this category, including Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, and Echinus esculentus. Proper classification requires that the product has not been cooked or further prepared beyond freezing, as such processes would shift the classification to Chapter 16. The freezing must be sufficient to preserve the product during transport, and the item must remain in its natural state, though it may be cleaned or have the shell removed before freezing.
- Covers
- Frozen whole sea urchins
- Frozen sea urchin gonads (uni)
- Frozen sea urchin roe, unprocessed
- Frozen Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
- Frozen Paracentrotus lividus
- Also under 0308.22
- Santa Barbara Uni (frozen variants)
- Hokkaido Uni (frozen variants)
- Maine Uni (frozen)
- Chilean Uni (frozen).
Codes often confused with 0308.22
Common mistake. Frozen sea urchins are frequently confused with code 0308.21, which is strictly for live, fresh, or chilled specimens. Another common error is using 1605.62, which applies to sea urchins that have been prepared or preserved (e.g., cooked, canned, or seasoned). If the sea urchin is dried or salted but not frozen, it should be classified under 0308.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030822 (the code used for frozen sea urchin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030822 (the code used for frozen sea urchin) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030822, not only frozen sea urchin.
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 frozen sea urchin
Brazil classifies frozen sea urchin under NCM 0308.22.00: HS 0308.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen sea urchin
What is the HS code for Frozen sea urchin?
The HS code for Frozen sea urchin is 030822 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), frozen). The HS code for frozen sea urchin is 0308.22.
How do I classify Frozen sea urchin for customs?
Frozen sea urchin is classified under HS code 030822 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sea urchin roe?
Yes, frozen sea urchin roe or gonads (uni) are classified under 0308.22, provided they have not been cooked or seasoned.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sea urchin (HS 030822)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030822 (the code used for frozen sea urchin) 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 frozen sea urchin (HS 030822)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030822 (the code used for frozen sea urchin) 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.
Is the HS code for Frozen sea urchin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030822 for Frozen 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 frozen sea urchin in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sea urchin (HS 030822) is classified under NCM 0308.22.00.