HS Code for Sea urchins
Sea urchins that have been processed through drying, salting, smoking, or being placed in brine are classified under HS code 0308.29. Chapter 03 covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0308 specifically addresses aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, which includes echinoderms like sea urchins. The subheading 0308.29 is reserved for those that are not live, fresh, or chilled. The classification remains in Chapter 03 as long as the processing does not exceed the methods mentioned (drying, salting, smoking, or brining). If the sea urchins were further prepared, such as being cooked and preserved in airtight containers or prepared as a paste, they might move to Chapter 16. However, for standard preserved sea urchin products, 0308.29 is the correct designation. This code includes various species such as Strongylocentrotus spp. and Paracentrotus lividus. The classification is vital for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, as processed seafood often has different entry requirements than live specimens.
Products Included
- Dried sea urchin roe (Uni)
- Salted sea urchins
- Sea urchins in brine
- Smoked sea urchins
- Cooked sea urchins (if cooked before or during smoking)
- Frozen sea urchin roe (if not fresh/chilled)
Common Misclassification
Sea urchins are often misclassified under HS code 0308.21, which is specifically for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins. The distinction is based entirely on the state of preservation. Another common error is classification under HS code 1605.62. Chapter 16 covers "prepared or preserved" seafood that has undergone processing beyond what is allowed in Chapter 03, such as being prepared as a ready-to-eat meal or preserved in vinegar or oil. If the sea urchin is merely salted or in brine, it must stay in 0308.29.
FAQ
What is the HS code for sea urchins?
The HS code for dried, salted, smoked, or brined sea urchins is 0308.29.
What code is used for fresh sea urchin roe?
Fresh or chilled sea urchin roe is classified under HS code 0308.21.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Sea urchins?
The HS code for Sea urchins is 030829 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking process).
How do I classify Sea urchins for customs?
Sea urchins is classified under HS code 030829 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking process. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Sea urchins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030829 for 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.