Product classification
HS code for Prepared sea urchins: 1605.62
Aquatic invertebrates, sea urchins, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared sea urchins under HS 1605.62
The classification of prepared sea urchins under HS code 1605.62 is determined by the level of processing the product has undergone. While Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers live, fresh, chilled, or frozen aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 16 is reserved for products that have been prepared or preserved beyond the basic methods allowed in Chapter 3. Sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, etc.) fall under heading 1605, which encompasses crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, subheading 1605.62 is designated for sea urchins that have been cooked, canned, or otherwise preserved. This includes processes such as steaming, boiling in water, or preserving in vinegar, brine, or oil. The classification ensures that value-added seafood products are distinguished from raw commodities, reflecting their higher degree of industrial processing and different market applications. To qualify for 1605.62, the sea urchin must have undergone a process that alters the character of the raw meat, such as heat treatment or the addition of preservatives that go beyond simple salting or chilling. This distinction is vital for international trade statistics and the application of specific customs duties that target processed food items rather than raw materials.
- Covers
- Canned sea urchin roe (Uni) in brine or oil
- Steamed or boiled sea urchin meat
- Pasteurized sea urchin products
- Sea urchin pâté or spreads containing significant urchin content
- Vacuum-packed cooked sea urchin gonads
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS codes 0308.51 and 0308.52. These codes are reserved for sea urchins that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply dried or salted. If the sea urchin has been cooked or preserved in a medium like vinegar, it must move to 1605.62. Additionally, some importers confuse these with fish preparations under heading 1604, but sea urchins are technically aquatic invertebrates, not fish.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160562 (the code used for prepared sea urchins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160562 (the code used for prepared 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 prepared 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 prepared sea urchins
Brazil classifies prepared 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 prepared sea urchins
What is the HS code for Prepared sea urchins?
The HS code for Prepared sea urchins is 160562 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins, prepared or preserved). The specific HS code for prepared or preserved sea urchins is 1605.62.
How do I classify Prepared sea urchins for customs?
Prepared sea urchins is classified under HS code 160562 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen raw sea urchin roe?
No, frozen raw sea urchin roe is typically classified under heading 0308. HS code 1605.62 only applies if the roe has been cooked or otherwise prepared/preserved beyond freezing.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared sea urchins (HS 160562)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160562 (the code used for prepared 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 prepared sea urchins (HS 160562)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160562 (the code used for prepared 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 Prepared sea urchins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160562 for Prepared 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 prepared sea urchins in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared sea urchins (HS 160562) is classified under NCM 1605.62.00.