Live, Fresh, or Chilled Sea Urchins

Fresh sea urchin roe (uni) is one of the most perishable and price-sensitive seafood commodities in the US market, and the US schedule under this heading separates roe (0308210021) from whole live or fresh sea urchins (0308210029) — a distinction with direct implications for value declaration and FDA admissibility review. Japan is the leading supplier, reflecting the premium placed on Japanese uni varieties (Strongylocentrotus spp.) in high-end sushi markets, with Mexico and Canada also significant sources. Given the extremely short shelf life of fresh roe, air freight and rapid customs clearance are operationally critical. FDA seafood HACCP requirements apply, and importers should confirm that foreign processors hold current FDA facility registrations.