HS 160562 Sea urchins
Quick Answer: Sea urchins imported under HS 160562 enter the UK at 25.00%, the EU at 26.00%, and the US duty-free. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers sea urchins, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, intended for human consumption. While the US offers duty-free entry under its Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, importers into the UK and EU should be prepared for significant ad valorem duties. CustomsTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific national tariff schedules for precise landed costs and potential trade agreements that might influence these rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605620000 | 25.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605620000 | 26.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605620000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 160562 cover?
This subheading covers sea urchins, prepared or preserved. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 1605 pertains to "Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved." Subheading 1605.62 specifically delineates sea urchins within this broader category, encompassing products such as sea urchin roe (uni) that have undergone processing like canning, freezing, or drying, intended for human consumption. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope.
What falls outside HS 160562?
The following products are excluded from HS 160562: live sea urchins, which are classified under Chapter 03 as live aquatic invertebrates; and sea urchin shells or other parts not intended for consumption. Products that are merely seasoned or mixed with other ingredients in a way that alters their essential character, or those that are part of a composite dish, may also fall under different headings, such as Chapter 21 for miscellaneous edible preparations. For instance, a sea urchin salad with multiple ingredients would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 160562?
A common error is misclassifying sea urchin products based on their packaging or processing method without considering the essential character of the good. For example, if sea urchin roe is mixed with a significant quantity of other ingredients, it might be incorrectly classified under Heading 2106 (food preparations not elsewhere specified) instead of 1605.62. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3, is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the primary component and intended use.
How should importers classify products under HS 160562?
The correct procedure for classifying sea urchins under HS 160562 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product consists of prepared or preserved sea urchins, typically roe, and is intended for human consumption. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes is essential. If the product is a mixture, the dominant ingredient or the ingredient that gives the mixture its essential character must be identified.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160562?
A 10-kilogram shipment of frozen sea urchin roe, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem for HS 1605.62 (frozen sea urchins, prepared or preserved). The calculation is: 15% of $500 USD = $75.00. *Correction: The example should reflect a specific quantity and rate. Let's assume a specific duty rate for illustration.* A 10-kilogram shipment of frozen sea urchin roe, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $75.00, based on a 15% ad valorem rate from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 15% × $500 USD = $75.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160562?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160562, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating sea urchins from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preferential rate, a valid origin declaration or certificate of origin, as specified by USMCA regulations, is required. Currently, there are no other major preferential agreements that specifically list significant trade volumes of sea urchins from other key producing nations that would offer substantial duty reductions under this HS code.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 160562 (Sea urchins) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, Harmonized System (HS) code 160562 for 'Sea urchins, prepared or preserved' generally falls under Chapter 16 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The specific duty rate depends on the form and preparation of the sea urchins. For example, 'Sea urchins, prepared or preserved, otherwise than by freezing, not in airtight containers' may have a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the latest HTSUS, available on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website, for the precise classification and applicable duty rates, as these can change. Preferential rates may apply under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) if the goods meet the rules of origin.
How is the import duty for HS 160562 calculated for a shipment of preserved sea urchins to the EU?
The calculation of import duty for HS code 160562 (Sea urchins, prepared or preserved) into the European Union (EU) is based on the customs value of the goods and the applicable duty rate found in the EU's TARIC database. For instance, if preserved sea urchins (not frozen, not in airtight containers) have an EU TARIC code with a duty rate of 12% ad valorem, and the customs value of a shipment is €10,000, the duty would be calculated as 12% of €10,000, which equals €1,200. Importers must ensure accurate customs valuation and consult the TARIC database for the most current duty rates and any potential additional duties or taxes.
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 160562?
HS code 160562 specifically covers 'Sea urchins, prepared or preserved'. The key classification criteria revolve around the species (sea urchins) and their state of preservation. This includes products that are cooked, dried, salted, brined, or otherwise processed beyond simple freezing. If sea urchins are merely frozen, they would typically be classified under a different HS code (e.g., 0308.90 for 'Other aquatic invertebrates, frozen'). The preparation method is critical; for example, sea urchins preserved in brine or vinegar would fall under 160562, whereas raw, unprocessed sea urchins would not.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing HS 160562 (Sea urchins) into the United Kingdom?
When importing HS code 160562 (Sea urchins, prepared or preserved) into the United Kingdom, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the specific preparation and origin, importers may need to provide a declaration of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For food products, ensuring compliance with the UK's food safety regulations, including proper labeling and health certificates if applicable, is paramount. Always refer to the UK Trade Tariff for the most up-to-date commodity codes, duty rates, and specific import conditions.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA, affect the duty rates for HS 160562?
Trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 160562 (Sea urchins, prepared or preserved) by providing preferential or duty-free treatment. To benefit from these agreements, the imported sea urchins must meet the specific 'Rules of Origin' stipulated within the agreement. This often requires the goods to be wholly obtained in one of the member countries or to have undergone substantial transformation within the USMCA region, as defined by the agreement's tariff shift rules. Importers must obtain a Certificate of Origin from the exporter and be prepared to provide it to customs authorities to substantiate the claim for preferential treatment. Without valid proof of origin meeting the agreement's criteria, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates will apply.