Chilled Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)
Chilled red sea urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus, formerly Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) are prized for their sweet roe and are maintained alive in chilled oxygenated water. They are covered by tariff item 0308.21.00 as live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins of the named species.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | +25.0% | 25% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the sea urchins are frozen or preserved
This covers non-live, fresh, or chilled forms.
If the product includes other aquatic invertebrates
This applies to mixed products or other invertebrates.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the sea urchins are kept in chilled, oxygenated water to maintain viability
• Use the scientific name Mesocentrotus franciscanus on customs documents for accurate classification
• Check CFIA guidelines for importing live or chilled seafood
Related Products under Tariff item 0308.21.00
Chilled Echinus esculentus Roe
Chilled roe from the European edible sea urchin (Echinus esculentus) is popular in UK and French markets. Tariff item 0308.21.00 applies to fresh or chilled roe from this exact species, as aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs.
Chilled Echinus esculentus Sea Urchin
Chilled European edible sea urchins (Echinus esculentus) from UK waters are kept fresh for roe extraction. They are classified under tariff item 0308.21.00 as live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins of the specified species.
Chilled Paracentrotus lividus Sea Urchin
Chilled Paracentrotus lividus sea urchins, also known as European purple sea urchins, are imported from Mediterranean waters for gourmet uni markets. They are kept chilled and fall under tariff item 0308.21.00 as live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins of the specified species.
Chilled Paracentrotus lividus Sea Urchin Roe
Chilled roe from the Mediterranean purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) is prized for its creamy texture in gourmet dishes. It fits tariff item 0308.21.00 as fresh or chilled sea urchin roe, not dried, salted, or in brine.
Fresh Chilled Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
Fresh chilled green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) from North Atlantic fisheries are supplied to sushi markets with gonads intact for uni preparation. They are classified under tariff item 0308.21.00 as live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins of the named species.
Fresh Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
Freshly harvested green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) from North Atlantic waters are chilled but alive for high-end seafood markets. They fit tariff item 0308.21.00 as live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins under the specified species.