Live Purple Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)
Live Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchins) harvested from Pacific coastal waters and transported in aerated seawater. These are live aquatic invertebrates, not smoked, and fall under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins of the specified 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 |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the live sea urchins are smoked after arrival.
Smoked sea urchins, even if initially live, are classified under the smoked tariff item 0308.29.10.
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
• Arrange for proper live transport with aerated seawater and temperature control
• Provide a health certificate confirming the sea urchins are disease-free and fit for human consumption
• Clearly state the species as Strongylocentrotus purpuratus to match the tariff item
Related Products under Tariff item 0308.29.90
Chilled Echinus esculentus Sea Urchins
Freshly harvested Echinus esculentus sea urchins maintained on ice slurry to preserve their premium gonad quality. These are chilled, not frozen or processed, and are classified under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins, distinct from smoked products.
Dried Sea Urchins (Paracentrotus lividus)
Sun-dried or dehydrated whole Paracentrotus lividus sea urchins with moisture content below 15%. Drying preserves the product for extended shelf life, and per Section Note 2, 'dried' includes dehydrated or evaporated products, placing them under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins.
Fresh Chilled Green Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
Freshly harvested Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (green sea urchins) kept chilled at 0-4°C to maintain quality. These are fresh/chilled aquatic invertebrates, not smoked, and are classified under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins of the specified species.
Frozen Purple Sea Urchin Gonads (Uni)
Extracted gonads from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchins), cleaned and frozen whole without further processing. These are frozen aquatic invertebrates, not smoked, and fall under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins of the specified species.
Frozen Red Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus)
Whole frozen Strongylocentrotus franciscanus (red sea urchins) individually quick-frozen (IQF) at -20°C or below. These are frozen aquatic invertebrates, not smoked, and are classified under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins of the specified species.
Live Red Sea Urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)
Live Mesocentrotus franciscanus (giant red sea urchins) shipped in chilled seawater systems. These are live aquatic invertebrates, not smoked, and are classified under tariff item 0308.29.90 as 'other' sea urchins of the specified species.