HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0303.45 – Fish; frozen, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99
HS code 0303.45 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, frozen, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. It is used for whole frozen Atlantic bluefin tuna, whole frozen Pacific bluefin tuna, frozen Thunnus thynnus, frozen Thunnus orientalis and sashimi-grade frozen bluefin.
What HS 0303.45 covers
This HS code covers whole frozen Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas, two of the most prized and expensive fish species globally, primarily destined for the high-end sashimi market. Bluefin tuna is renowned for its exceptionally rich, fatty, and flavorful meat, making it a luxury commodity. The international trade in these species is highly regulated due to their critically endangered or vulnerable status, with strict quotas and conservation efforts managed by international bodies like ICCAT (Atlantic) and WCPFC (Pacific). Exporters typically include countries with specialized bluefin aquaculture operations or highly controlled wild fisheries, such as Japan, Spain, and Australia. The primary importer is overwhelmingly Japan, where bluefin tuna commands exorbitant prices, especially during peak seasons. Key aspects of this trade involve meticulous handling and freezing techniques to maintain sashimi quality, stringent traceability systems to ensure legality, and compliance with CITES regulations for certain populations. The market is characterized by extreme demand, limited supply, and significant price volatility.
- Covers
- Whole frozen Atlantic bluefin tuna
- Whole frozen Pacific bluefin tuna
- Frozen Thunnus thynnus
- Frozen Thunnus orientalis
- Sashimi-grade frozen bluefin
- Whole round frozen bluefin
- Examples
- Balfegó Group (Spain, aquaculture)
- Kindai University (Japan, aquaculture)
- Ōma Tuna (Japan, wild catch)
- Yamayuki (Japan, wholesaler)
- Tsukiji Uoichiba (Japan, market)
Codes often confused with 0303.45
Common mistake. This code is specific to Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas and should not be confused with southern bluefin (030346) or other tuna species like bigeye (030344) or skipjack (030343). It excludes processed forms under 0304.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030345, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030345 in UN Comtrade data was Malta, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malta $47M 60% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $13M 17% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $8.5M 11% of world exports
World total: $78M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $10.0M 28% of world imports
- 2 China $6.7M 19% of world imports
- 3 Japan $5.5M 15% of world imports
World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 0303.45
Brazil does not split HS 0303.45: its NCM code is 0303.45.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0303.45
What is HS code 030345?
HS code 030345 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; frozen, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This HS code covers whole frozen Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas, two of the most prized and expensive fish species globally, primarily destined for the high-end sashimi market. Bluefin tuna is renowned for its exceptionally rich, fatty, and flavorful meat, making it a luxury commodity. The international trade in these species is highly regulated due to their critically endangered or vulnerable status, with strict quotas and conservation efforts managed by international bodies like ICCAT (Atlantic) and WCPFC (Pacific). Exporters typically include countries with specialized bluefin aquaculture operations or highly controlled wild fisheries, such as Japan, Spain, and Australia. The primary importer is overwhelmingly Japan, where bluefin tuna commands exorbitant prices, especially during peak seasons. Key aspects of this trade involve meticulous handling and freezing techniques to maintain sashimi quality, stringent traceability systems to ensure legality, and compliance with CITES regulations for certain populations. The market is characterized by extreme demand, limited supply, and significant price volatility.
What products fall under HS code 030345?
Whole frozen Atlantic bluefin tuna, whole frozen Pacific bluefin tuna, frozen Thunnus thynnus, frozen Thunnus orientalis, sashimi-grade frozen bluefin, whole round frozen bluefin
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030345?
This code is specific to Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas and should not be confused with southern bluefin (030346) or other tuna species like bigeye (030344) or skipjack (030343). It excludes processed forms under 0304.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030345?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030345 in UN Comtrade data were Malta ($47M, 60% of world exports), Morocco ($13M) and South Korea ($8.5M). World exports came to about $78M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 030345?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030345 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($10.0M, 28% of world imports), China ($6.7M) and Japan ($5.5M). World imports came to about $36M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 030345 structured?
HS code 030345 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (45) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030345?
In Brazil, HS code 030345 is NCM 0303.45.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.