Fresh Sea Urchin Roe (Uni)
Fresh sea urchin gonads, known as uni in Japanese cuisine, harvested from Strongylocentrotus spp. and sold chilled for sushi preparation. Classified under HTS 0308.21.0021 as live, fresh, or chilled roe from sea urchins (excluding crustaceans and molluscs). Not processed into flour, meal, or pellets fit for human consumption.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If frozen
Frozen sea urchin roe falls under the frozen subheading in the same heading 0308.21.
If processed into flour, meal, or pellets fit for human consumption
Chapter notes exclude flours, meals, and pellets suitable for human food from headings 0305-0308, directing to 0309.
If cooked, smoked, or otherwise prepared/preserved
Prepared or preserved sea urchins, including roe, move to Chapter 16 for preserved food products.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify species compliance (e.g
• Strongylocentrotus spp.) with FDA import alerts and provide health certificates confirming freshness
• Maintain cold chain documentation (below 4°C) to avoid reclassification as frozen under 0308.21.0022
• Avoid common pitfalls like mislabeling as processed product, which shifts to heading 0309 if pelletized
Related Products under HTS 0308.21.00.21
Chilled Paracentrotus lividus Sea Urchin Roe
Chilled roe from the Mediterranean purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), prized for its creamy texture in gourmet dishes. Fits HTS 0308.21.0021 as fresh or chilled sea urchin roe, not dried, salted, or in brine. Exclusively from specified sea urchin species, unprocessed beyond harvest.
Live Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis Sea Urchin Gonads
Live or minimally handled gonads (roe) from the green sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, kept alive in seawater for premium markets. HTS 0308.21.0021 covers live, fresh, or chilled roe specifically from sea urchins like Strongylocentrotus spp. Not applicable to flours or pellets per chapter notes.
Fresh Loxechinus albus Sea Urchin Roe
Fresh roe from the Chilean red sea urchin (Loxechinus albus), harvested off South America and shipped chilled. Directly classified under HTS 0308.21.0021 for live, fresh, or chilled sea urchin roe from named species. Excludes any dried or pelletized forms per chapter exclusions.
Chilled Echinus esculentus Roe
Chilled roe from the European edible sea urchin (Echinus esculentus), popular in UK and French markets. HTS 0308.21.0021 applies to fresh/chilled roe from this exact species, as aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans/molluscs. Unprocessed state distinguishes from chapter 03 exclusions.