Dried Sea Cucumber
Dried sea cucumber is a processed marine invertebrate product made from whole sea cucumbers that are gutted, cooked, optionally salted and desalted, then dried for preservation. It is traded internationally as a dried seafood commodity, often referred to as beche-de-mer.
Prices, specifications and international trade for dried sea cucumber under HS 030819.
Dried Sea Cucumber Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Dried sea cucumber is quoted in USD/t at HKG. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore dried sea cucumber pricesDried Sea Cucumber Suppliers
Find dried sea cucumber suppliers and exporters for your specification, buying volume and preferred origin. Explore supplier locations, compare sourcing requirements and request a shortlist.
Explore dried sea cucumber suppliersDried Sea Cucumber Exports and Imports
China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region led reported dried sea cucumber exports in 2025, at $46.2M.
Compare dried sea cucumber exporting countriesDried Sea Cucumber Specifications and Quality
Dried sea cucumber grading factors include Firmness, Colour, and Odor.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for dried sea cucumber considers Firmness, Colour, and Odor.
- Firmness
Measures the resistance to compression; buyers require a firm, non‑flabby product for texture consistency.
- Colour
Assesses the visual appearance; a uniform, appropriate colour indicates proper processing and low oxidation.
- Odor
Evaluates the presence of off‑odors; a mild, clean scent signals good hygiene and proper drying.
- Moisture content
Determines residual water after drying; low moisture ensures long shelf life and prevents microbial growth.
- Salt level
Quantifies residual salt after optional desalting; appropriate salt levels affect rehydration quality and taste.
- Rehydration ratio
The percentage of dry matter recovered after rehydration; higher ratios indicate better quality and processing efficiency.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for dried sea cucumber include Soft or flabby units, Shrivelled units, and Off‑colour.
- Soft or flabby units
Products that have lost firmness, often caused by insufficient drying or excess moisture.
- Shrivelled units
Excessive dehydration leading to surface cracks, usually from over‑drying or poor storage humidity control.
- Off‑colour
Discoloration due to oxidation or improper processing, reducing visual appeal.
- Mechanical damage
Cracks or breaks in the skin caused by rough handling during harvesting or transport.
Dried Sea Cucumber Facts and HS Code
Dried sea cucumber belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030819.
Dried Sea Cucumber HS Code
| Also known as | beche-de-mer, BDM, dried sea cucumber |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Stichopus japonicus |
| Product type | Finished |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Seafood — Protein and dairy |
| HS codes | 030819 |
| HS6 description | Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | HKG |
Production & Handling
Dried sea cucumber storage guidance: Stored in dry, moisture‑controlled environments, typically in bulk sacks or sealed cartons to protect against humidity and physical damage.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Stored in dry, moisture‑controlled environments, typically in bulk sacks or sealed cartons to protect against humidity and physical damage. |
| Production methods | Wild capture |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical dried sea cucumber packaging includes Bulk sack and Sealed carton.
- Bulk sack
Large woven or polypropylene sacks used for bulk shipments to processors or exporters.
- Sealed carton
Cardboard cartons with inner liners that protect against moisture for retail or smaller‑scale export batches.
Uses & Risks
Dried sea cucumber is used in Culinary ingredient, Nutraceuticals, and Cosmetics.
End Uses
- Culinary ingredient
Rehydrated and used in soups, stews, and premium Chinese dishes.
- Nutraceuticals
Source of bioactive peptides for functional foods and health supplements.
- Cosmetics
Provides collagen‑rich extracts for skin‑care products.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food processing, Nutraceutical manufacturing, Cosmetics |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Export regulation compliance PolicyHigh Export of dried sea cucumber must meet national seafood regulations and may be subject to quotas or permits. | Maintain accurate documentation, obtain required certificates, and coordinate with customs and fisheries authorities. |
Weather‑related harvest variability ClimateMedium Adverse sea conditions during the harvest season can reduce catch volumes and affect product quality. | Schedule harvesting during optimal seasonal windows and employ flexible processing capacity to handle variable catches. |
Contamination from water or reagents Food safetyMedium Impurities in processing water or chemicals can introduce microbial or chemical hazards into the dried product. | Use analytically pure reagents and Class‑III water, and follow validated testing methods. |
Dried Sea Cucumber Questions
- What processing steps are applied to produce dried sea cucumber?
- The raw sea cucumber is first gutted, then cooked. It may be salted and later desalted, after which it is dried to a stable moisture level. These steps create the final dried product ready for export.
- What sensory qualities are required for high‑quality dried sea cucumber?
- Buyers look for a product that is reasonably firm, free from shrivelled or soft units, has a uniform colour, and exhibits a mild, clean odor. These attributes indicate proper drying and handling.
- Which markets import dried sea cucumber?
- The primary destinations are Chinese markets, especially Hong Kong, with additional demand from Taiwan, Korea, and the United States.
- What are common defects to watch for when inspecting dried sea cucumber?
- Typical defects include soft or flabby units, shrivelled pieces, off‑colours, and mechanical damage such as cracks or broken skin. These issues usually arise from inadequate drying, poor storage humidity control, or rough handling.
- How long can dried sea cucumber be stored?
- When kept in a dry, moisture‑controlled environment, dried sea cucumber retains its quality for an extended period, but specific shelf‑life values depend on storage conditions and packaging.