0308.21.00/Live Purple Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)/China

Live Purple Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) from China

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.

Duty Rate — China → United States

35%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%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

9903.88.0325%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)

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Import Tips

• 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