</>Build with Tariff Intelligence|Programmatic access to tariff calculations and HS code classification.Explore Developer Resources →

Live Purple Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) from Mexico

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 — Mexico → United States

10%

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

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