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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If frozen after harvest
Frozen sea urchins, including gonads, fall under the frozen subheading within the same sea urchin heading.
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 them to 0309.
If dried, salted, or in brine for non-edible use
Dried sea cucumber-like products or animal products not for human consumption may classify under other animal products in Chapter 5.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify species identification through CITES documentation if applicable, as Strongylocentrotus spp. may require proof of wild harvest origin
• Maintain cold chain with temperatures below 4°C and provide health certificates confirming live condition upon entry to avoid reclassification
• Avoid common pitfalls like declaring as 'frozen' which shifts to 0308.22; use insulated live tanks for transport
Related Products under HTS 0308.21.00
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.