Live, fresh or chilled
Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process: > Sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus): > Live, fresh or chilled
Duty Rate (from China)
Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Subheadings
Products classified under HTS 0308.21.00
Live Purple Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)
Live purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) are harvested from Pacific coastal waters and transported alive in chilled seawater systems for immediate processing into uni, the prized edible gonads. They fall under HTS 0308.21.00 as live sea urchins of the specified species, distinct from frozen or processed forms. This classification applies specifically to Strongylocentrotus spp., ensuring proper tariff treatment for fresh imports.
Fresh Loxechinus albus Sea Urchin
Fresh Loxechinus albus, known as Chilean red sea urchin, is sourced from South American fisheries for its large, flavorful gonads used in uni sushi. HTS 0308.21.00 applies to live, fresh, or chilled examples of this named species, excluding any dried, salted, or pelletized forms per chapter notes. Ideal for high-volume fresh imports.
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. Classified under HTS 0308.21.00 for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins of Strongylocentrotus spp., excluding any frozen, dried, or processed states. This ensures accurate duty assessment for premium fresh imports.
Live Red Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus)
Live red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) are premium Pacific species air-shipped alive to high-end restaurants for on-site uni extraction. HTS 0308.21.00 covers live Strongylocentrotus spp. sea urchins, emphasizing their fresh state unfit for immediate consumption without processing. This distinguishes them from smoked or brined alternatives.
Chilled Paracentrotus lividus Sea Urchin
Chilled Paracentrotus lividus, the European purple sea urchin, is imported from Mediterranean waters for gourmet uni markets in the US. It precisely matches HTS 0308.21.00 as chilled sea urchins of named species, provided they remain fresh and unprocessed. This classification supports seasonal fresh imports distinct from frozen stocks.
Live Echinus esculentus Sea Urchin
Live Echinus esculentus, the edible sea urchin from UK and Irish coasts, is premium for its sweet uni, imported alive for top chefs. Falls under HTS 0308.21.00 for specified live/fresh/chilled species, not covering smoked or brined products. Supports sustainable fishery certifications.