About HS Code 030231
This code covers fresh or chilled whole albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), also known as longfinned tuna. Prized for its lighter flesh and mild flavor, albacore is a popular choice for canning but also traded fresh for sashimi and culinary use, particularly in markets valuing its 'white meat' quality. The trade involves large-scale fishing operations, often in international waters, with significant logistics to ensure rapid chilling and transport to processing plants or fresh markets. Major players include fleets from Spain, France, and the USA, supplying global demand for this versatile tuna.
Products Under This Code
Whole fresh albacore tuna, Chilled longfinned tuna, Fresh sashimi-grade albacore, Whole fresh white tuna, Fresh canned-grade albacore
Real World Examples
Bumble Bee Seafoods (for sourcing), Starkist (for sourcing), various Spanish and French tuna fleets, American Albacore Fishing Association
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with other tuna species like yellowfin (030232) or skipjack (030233), or tuna fillets (0304). The key is the specific 'albacore' species and the 'whole, fresh or chilled' form.
Products Classified Under 0302.31
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Spain, France, and the USA are major catchers/exporters; Japan, the EU, and the USA are significant importers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030231?
HS code 030231 covers: Fish; fresh or chilled, albacore or longfinned tunas (Thunnus alalunga), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This code covers fresh or chilled whole albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), also known as longfinned tuna. Prized for its lighter flesh and mild flavor, albacore is a popular choice for canning but also traded fresh for sashimi and culinary use, particularly in markets valuing its 'white meat' quality. The trade involves large-scale fishing operations, often in international waters, with significant logistics to ensure rapid chilling and transport to processing plants or fresh markets. Major players include fleets from Spain, France, and the USA, supplying global demand for this versatile tuna.
What products fall under HS code 030231?
Whole fresh albacore tuna, Chilled longfinned tuna, Fresh sashimi-grade albacore, Whole fresh white tuna, Fresh canned-grade albacore
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030231?
Can be confused with other tuna species like yellowfin (030232) or skipjack (030233), or tuna fillets (0304). The key is the specific 'albacore' species and the 'whole, fresh or chilled' form.
How is HS code 030231 structured?
HS code 030231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.