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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.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+35.0%35%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

0308Same rate: 35%

If smoked

Smoked aquatic invertebrates, even if cooked during process, classify under 0308.91 regardless of species.

1212.99Lower: 10% vs 35%

If used as seaweed-like extracts

Non-edible extracts or algae-related products from urchins may fall under vegetable materials in Chapter 12.

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Import Tips & Compliance

• Ensure chain-of-custody documentation from harvest to import for traceability under seafood import monitoring

• Test for biotoxins like paralytic shellfish poisoning prior to shipment per FDA guidelines

• Avoid over-chilling that kills specimens, risking downgrade to frozen/dried classifications

Related Products under HTS 0308.21.00.29

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.

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.

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.