About HS Code 030346
This HS code specifically covers whole frozen southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), another highly sought-after species in the premium seafood market, particularly for sashimi. Southern bluefin shares the high value and culinary prestige of its Atlantic and Pacific cousins, known for its rich, fatty meat. Its trade is subject to stringent international regulations due to its endangered status, with quotas managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT). Major exporters are typically countries with significant aquaculture operations or highly regulated wild fisheries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Similar to other bluefin species, the primary destination for southern bluefin is Japan, where it is a staple of high-end sushi and sashimi restaurants. Critical factors in this trade include maintaining an unbroken cold chain to preserve quality, rigorous traceability systems to ensure compliance with conservation measures, and adherence to CITES regulations. The market is characterized by high prices, limited supply, and a strong focus on sustainability and legality.
Products Under This Code
Whole frozen southern bluefin tuna, frozen Thunnus maccoyii, sashimi-grade frozen southern bluefin, whole round frozen southern bluefin, gutted frozen southern bluefin
Real World Examples
Clean Seas Seafood (Australia, aquaculture), Tony's Tuna International (Australia, aquaculture), Huon Aquaculture (Australia, aquaculture), Maruha Nichiro (Japan, processing/distribution), Yamayuki (Japan, wholesaler)
Common Misclassification
This code is exclusively for southern bluefin tuna and must not be confused with Atlantic/Pacific bluefin (030345) or other tuna species. It specifically excludes fillets or other processed fish meat under 0304.
Products Classified Under 0303.46
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are key exporters, with Japan being the dominant importer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030346?
HS code 030346 covers: Fish; frozen, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This HS code specifically covers whole frozen southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), another highly sought-after species in the premium seafood market, particularly for sashimi. Southern bluefin shares the high value and culinary prestige of its Atlantic and Pacific cousins, known for its rich, fatty meat. Its trade is subject to stringent international regulations due to its endangered status, with quotas managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT). Major exporters are typically countries with significant aquaculture operations or highly regulated wild fisheries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Similar to other bluefin species, the primary destination for southern bluefin is Japan, where it is a staple of high-end sushi and sashimi restaurants. Critical factors in this trade include maintaining an unbroken cold chain to preserve quality, rigorous traceability systems to ensure compliance with conservation measures, and adherence to CITES regulations. The market is characterized by high prices, limited supply, and a strong focus on sustainability and legality.
What products fall under HS code 030346?
Whole frozen southern bluefin tuna, frozen Thunnus maccoyii, sashimi-grade frozen southern bluefin, whole round frozen southern bluefin, gutted frozen southern bluefin
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030346?
This code is exclusively for southern bluefin tuna and must not be confused with Atlantic/Pacific bluefin (030345) or other tuna species. It specifically excludes fillets or other processed fish meat under 0304.
How is HS code 030346 structured?
HS code 030346 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 (46) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.