HS Code for Chilled bigeye tuna

Chilled bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is classified under HS code 0302.34. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates, and Heading 0302, which is reserved for fresh or chilled fish. The Harmonized System provides specific subheadings for different tuna species to allow for precise monitoring of global fish stocks and trade. Bigeye tuna is a high-value species often used in the sashimi market, and its classification under 0302.34 requires that the fish be fresh or chilled. Chilling typically involves packing the fish in ice or using refrigerated seawater to maintain a temperature near 0°C. The fish may be whole, or it may be gilled and gutted, but it must not be filleted or otherwise processed into meat portions, as those products would fall under heading 0304.

Products Included

• Whole chilled bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)
• Gilled and gutted chilled bigeye tuna
• Headed and cleaned chilled bigeye tuna
• Fresh bigeye tuna intended for sashimi processing

Common Misclassification

Bigeye tuna is frequently misclassified with other tuna species. For example, Albacore tuna is 0302.31 and Yellowfin tuna is 0302.32. Accurate species identification is critical for customs compliance. Another common error is using the code for frozen bigeye tuna, which is 0303.44. Because bigeye tuna is often "super-frozen" at -60°C for the sushi trade, it frequently falls under the frozen category rather than the chilled one. Finally, if the tuna is presented as steaks or fillets, it must be classified under HS code 0304.44 (for fresh/chilled fillets) or similar codes in heading 0304.

FAQ

What is the HS code for chilled bigeye tuna?

The HS code for fresh or chilled bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is 0302.34.

What if the bigeye tuna is frozen?

If the bigeye tuna is frozen, it should be classified under HS code 0303.44 instead of 0302.34.