Live Purple Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)
Live purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) harvested from Pacific waters, sold alive for immediate use in sushi preparation. Classified under HTS 0308.21.0029 as live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins of Strongylocentrotus spp., excluding processed forms.
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 urchins shift to heading 0308.22 for preserved forms, changing the duty rate structure.
If a different sea urchin species like sea cucumbers
Only specific Strongylocentrotus and related spp. fall here; other aquatic invertebrates go to 0308.90 'other'.
If processed into edible products for human consumption
Chapter notes exclude flours, meals, or pellets fit for human consumption from 0308, directing to 0309 or 0511.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain CITES permits if applicable and ensure live shipment conditions maintain viability to avoid reclassification as dead product
• Provide scientific name documentation and health certificates confirming freedom from diseases per FDA seafood HACCP rules
• Avoid common pitfalls like improper temperature control during transit, which can lead to spoilage and denial at customs
Related Products under HTS 0308.21.00.29
Fresh Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
Freshly harvested green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) from North Atlantic waters, chilled but alive for high-end seafood markets. Fits HTS 0308.21.0029 as 'other' live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins under specified species.
Chilled Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)
Chilled red sea urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus, formerly Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) prized for their sweet roe, maintained alive in chilled oxygenated water. Covered by HTS 0308.21.0029 for 'other' live/fresh/chilled sea urchins of listed genera.
Live Uni Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus spp.)
Live sea urchins of Strongylocentrotus species marketed as 'uni' for Japanese cuisine, shipped alive in seawater systems. HTS 0308.21.0029 applies to these 'other' live/fresh/chilled forms not elsewhere specified.
Fresh Paracentrotus lividus Sea Urchin
Fresh violet sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) from Mediterranean fisheries, chilled for gourmet export. Technically under 'other' live/fresh/chilled in HTS 0308.21.0029 though sometimes statistically separated.
Chilled Echinus esculentus Sea Urchin
Chilled European edible sea urchins (Echinus esculentus) from UK waters, kept fresh for roe extraction. Classed in HTS 0308.21.0029 as 'other' live/fresh/chilled sea urchins.
Live Loxechinus albus Sea Urchin
Live Chilean red sea urchins (Loxechinus albus), a key export for South American aquaculture, shipped live. Falls under HTS 0308.21.0029 for other live/fresh/chilled specified species.