About HS Code 030194
This highly specialized HS code pertains to live Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas, species renowned for their high value in the global seafood market, particularly for sushi and sashimi. The trade in live bluefin tuna is primarily driven by the demand for fattening operations (tuna farming or ranching) where wild-caught juveniles are transferred to sea pens for grow-out before being harvested. This practice aims to improve flesh quality and consistency. Key players include countries with access to bluefin tuna migratory routes and those with advanced aquaculture technologies. Exporters are often fishing nations, while importers are typically countries with established tuna ranching industries or high-end seafood markets. The trade is subject to stringent international regulations and quotas imposed by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) due to the endangered status of these species, making legal and sustainable sourcing a paramount concern.
Products Under This Code
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna juveniles, Pacific Bluefin Tuna fingerlings, live bluefin tuna for ranching, wild-caught bluefin tuna for grow-out
Real World Examples
Balfegó (Spain), Umami Sustainable Seafood (Mexico), various tuna ranching operations in the Mediterranean and Pacific
Common Misclassification
This code is specifically for live Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna; southern bluefin tuna has its own code (030195), and fresh/chilled tuna for direct consumption falls under 0302.
Products Classified Under 0301.94
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Spain, Mexico, and Japan are key players in the trade and ranching of these bluefin tuna species, with Japan being a major end-market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030194?
HS code 030194 covers: Fish; live, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis). This highly specialized HS code pertains to live Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas, species renowned for their high value in the global seafood market, particularly for sushi and sashimi. The trade in live bluefin tuna is primarily driven by the demand for fattening operations (tuna farming or ranching) where wild-caught juveniles are transferred to sea pens for grow-out before being harvested. This practice aims to improve flesh quality and consistency. Key players include countries with access to bluefin tuna migratory routes and those with advanced aquaculture technologies. Exporters are often fishing nations, while importers are typically countries with established tuna ranching industries or high-end seafood markets. The trade is subject to stringent international regulations and quotas imposed by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) due to the endangered status of these species, making legal and sustainable sourcing a paramount concern.
What products fall under HS code 030194?
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna juveniles, Pacific Bluefin Tuna fingerlings, live bluefin tuna for ranching, wild-caught bluefin tuna for grow-out
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030194?
This code is specifically for live Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna; southern bluefin tuna has its own code (030195), and fresh/chilled tuna for direct consumption falls under 0302.
How is HS code 030194 structured?
HS code 030194 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (94) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.