Product classification
HS code for Live sea urchin: 0308.21
Aquatic invertebrates, sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live sea urchin under HS 0308.21
The classification of live sea urchins is governed by the Harmonized System under code 0308.21. This classification falls within Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0308 is reserved for aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. Sea urchins, belonging to the class Echinoidea, are biologically distinct from the molluscs found in heading 0307. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GRI 1), classification is determined by the literal terms of the headings. Subheading 0308.21 is explicitly defined to include sea urchins that are live, fresh, or chilled. This code is essential for customs authorities to track the trade of live echinoderms, which often require specific sanitary and phytosanitary certifications. The classification remains 0308.21 regardless of whether the sea urchin is intended for immediate consumption, aquarium display, or further aquaculture, provided it remains in a live or fresh state during transport.
- Covers
- Strongylocentrotus spp. (Purple and Red sea urchins)
- Paracentrotus lividus (European edible sea urchin)
- Loxechinus albus (Chilean sea urchin)
- Echinus esculentus (Common sea urchin)
- Live sea urchins transported in oxygenated seawater tanks
- Fresh sea urchins packed on ice (chilled)
- 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. Live sea urchins are frequently misclassified under HS code 0307, which is reserved for molluscs such as clams, snails, and oysters. While both are aquatic invertebrates, the HS nomenclature separates them at the heading level. Another common error is using HS code 0308.29, which is the residual category for sea urchins that are frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. If the product has been processed beyond simple chilling, such as being cooked or preserved in airtight containers, it must be classified under Chapter 16, specifically HS code 1605.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030821 (the code used for live sea urchin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030821 (the code used for live 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 live 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 live sea urchin
Brazil classifies live 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 live sea urchin
What is the HS code for Live sea urchin?
The HS code for Live sea urchin is 030821 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled). The international HS code for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins is 0308.21.
How do I classify Live sea urchin for customs?
Live 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 this code include sea urchin roe (uni)?
No, fresh or chilled sea urchin roe is typically classified under 0308.21 if it remains within the organism, but extracted roe may be classified under 0308.29 or 1605 depending on the state of preservation.
Which countries are the top exporters of live sea urchin (HS 030821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030821 (the code used for live 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 live sea urchin (HS 030821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030821 (the code used for live 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 Live sea urchin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030821 for Live 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 live sea urchin in Brazil?
In Brazil, live sea urchin (HS 030821) is classified under NCM 0308.21.00.