0308.21.00 - Live, fresh or chilled

This HTS classification, 0308.21.00, specifically covers sea urchins that are presented live, fresh, or chilled. This encompasses whole sea urchins in their natural state, as well as those that have been recently harvested and kept at refrigerated temperatures to preserve their quality. The scope is limited to the raw, unfrozen presentation of these marine echinoderms.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. Unlike 0308.22.00.00, which is designated for frozen sea urchins, this heading applies only to products that have not undergone freezing. Similarly, the "Other" category at this level (0308.29.01.00) would typically include processed forms or preparations of sea urchins not specifically covered by the live, fresh, or chilled descriptions.

Within the 0308.21.00 classification, further subdivisions exist to refine the classification based on specific parts of the sea urchin. The subcategory 0308.21.00.21 is dedicated to sea urchin roe, also known as uni, which is a distinct and commercially valuable product. The remaining sea urchin product falling under the live, fresh, or chilled description, but not roe, is classified under 0308.21.00.29. This tiered approach ensures precise classification based on both the state of preservation and the specific part of the sea urchin.