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.

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%

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.

0308.90.01.00Same rate: 35%

If other sea urchin species not listed in heading

Non-specified sea urchin species fall under the residual 'other aquatic invertebrates' subheading.

0308.22.00Same rate: 35%

If post-harvest freezing

Frozen forms have a specific subheading within sea urchins.

0511.91.00Same rate: 35%

If dried for bait or industrial use

Dried aquatic invertebrates not for human consumption classify as animal products in 0511.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Use aerated live transport systems; declare exact live count to match FDA seafood HACCP plans

Obtain veterinary health certificates affirming no disease, crucial for live aquatic imports

Related Products under HTS 0308.21.00

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.

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.

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.