Smoked Sea Urchins
Smoked sea urchins, lightly smoked and cooked during the smoking process to enhance flavor, fall under tariff item 0308.90.10 as smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. The smoking process distinguishes them from fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or brined products, aligning with the tariff item's specific scope.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇺🇸United States | 4% | +25.0% | 29% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 4% | — | 4% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 4% | — | 4% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the sea urchins are not smoked or are only lightly smoked without cooking
The 'Other' item covers aquatic invertebrates not specifically smoked, such as fresh, frozen, or dried forms.
If the product is a sea urchin roe (gonads) rather than the whole animal
Sea urchin roe may be classified under a different subheading for aquatic invertebrate products.
If the smoked sea urchins are further prepared or preserved beyond smoking, such as in oil or sauce
Prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates fall under Chapter 16 rather than Chapter 03.
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 clearly labeled as smoked and cooked during smoking to match the tariff item description
• Provide documentation of the smoking process to CBSA to avoid classification disputes
• Verify if a fish import license is required under the Fish Inspection Act