Product classification
HS code for Chilled skipjack tuna: 0302.33
Fish, fresh or chilled, skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled skipjack tuna under HS 0302.33
The classification of chilled skipjack tuna under HS code 0302.33 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers fish and crustaceans, while heading 0302 is specifically reserved for fish that is fresh or chilled, excluding fillets and other fish meat which fall under heading 0304. Skipjack tuna, scientifically known as Katsuwonus pelamis or stripe-bellied bonito, is explicitly named in subheading 0302.33. To qualify for this code, the fish must be maintained at a temperature typically between 0°C and 4°C without being frozen. The product must remain in its whole form or be minimally processed, such as being gutted, headed, or having the gills removed, provided it does not meet the definition of a fillet or minced meat. This classification is vital for international trade statistics and the application of specific tariffs or quotas that may apply to tuna species. Proper documentation must confirm the species and the temperature state to ensure compliance with customs regulations and to facilitate the correct assessment of duties.
- Covers
- Whole fresh skipjack tuna
- Chilled gutted skipjack tuna
- Headed and gutted (H&G) fresh skipjack
- Stripe-bellied bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis) in chilled state
- Also under 0302.33
- Tri Marine International (for sourcing)
- F.C.F. Fishery Co.
- Ltd. (for sourcing)
- various Indonesian and Philippine tuna fleets
- Bolton Group
Codes often confused with 0302.33
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing chilled skipjack (0302.33) with frozen skipjack, which falls under 0303.43. The distinction relies entirely on the preservation method; if the product is frozen below -18°C, it must be moved to heading 0303. Additionally, skipjack fillets are classified under 0304.87 if frozen or 0304.49 if fresh, rather than 0302.33. Prepared or canned skipjack tuna is classified under 1604.14, which covers processed fish products that have been cooked or preserved in oil or brine. Another potential area of confusion is the classification of other tuna species like Yellowfin (0302.32) or Bigeye (0302.34), which require precise biological identification to avoid misdeclaration penalties.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030233 (the code used for chilled skipjack tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030233 (the code used for chilled skipjack tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ghana, with 59% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030233, not only chilled skipjack tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Portugal $3.5M 31% of world exports
- 2 Spain $2.5M 22% of world exports
- 3 Sri Lanka $1.5M 14% of world exports
World total: $11M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ghana $13M 59% of world imports
- 2 France $1.7M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $1.3M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $22M 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 chilled skipjack tuna
Brazil classifies chilled skipjack tuna under NCM 0302.33.00: HS 0302.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled skipjack tuna
What is the HS code for Chilled skipjack tuna?
The HS code for Chilled skipjack tuna is 030233 (Fish; fresh or chilled, skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is 0302.33. This code is used globally under the Harmonized System to identify this specific species in a non-frozen state.
How do I classify Chilled skipjack tuna for customs?
Chilled skipjack tuna is classified under HS code 030233 — Fish; fresh or chilled, skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include skipjack tuna fillets?
No, fillets are classified under heading 0304. HS code 0302.33 is strictly for whole fish or fish that has been gutted or headed but not filleted. Once the meat is removed from the skeletal structure in strips, it must be reclassified under the appropriate subheading of 0304.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled skipjack tuna (HS 030233)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030233 (the code used for chilled skipjack tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($3.5M, 31% of world exports), Spain ($2.5M) and Sri Lanka ($1.5M). World exports came to about $11M, 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 chilled skipjack tuna (HS 030233)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030233 (the code used for chilled skipjack tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Ghana ($13M, 59% of world imports), France ($1.7M) and Portugal ($1.3M). World imports came to about $22M, 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.
Is the HS code for Chilled skipjack tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030233 for Chilled skipjack tuna is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for chilled skipjack tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled skipjack tuna (HS 030233) is classified under NCM 0302.33.00.