Product classification
HS code for Chilled southern bluefin tuna: 0302.36
Fish, fresh or chilled, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled southern bluefin tuna under HS 0302.36
The classification of chilled Southern bluefin tuna under HS code 0302.36 is determined by the species, the state of the fish, and the method of preservation. This code is located within Chapter 3, which encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 is specifically reserved for fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat that fall under heading 0304. The Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is a specific species of tuna, and the Harmonized System provides distinct subheadings for different tuna species to facilitate environmental monitoring and trade regulation. To be classified under 0302.36, the fish must be presented whole or in a basic processed state such as being headed, gutted, or having the fins removed. The term "chilled" refers to the preservation method where the fish's temperature is reduced to near 0°C (32°F) using ice, snow, or refrigerated liquids, without actually freezing the product. This preservation method is crucial for maintaining the quality of the meat for high-value markets, such as sashimi, where the cellular structure must remain intact to preserve texture and flavor.
- Covers
- Whole chilled Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)
- Headed and gutted chilled Southern bluefin tuna
- Gilled and gutted Southern bluefin tuna on ice
- Freshly caught Southern bluefin tuna (not yet chilled)
- Also under 0302.36
- Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna
- New Zealand SBT
- Kinki University Farmed SBT (Japan)
- Clean Seas SBT
Codes often confused with 0302.36
Common mistake. Southern bluefin tuna is often confused with other bluefin species. Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus orientalis) are classified under 0302.35. Accurate species identification is mandatory for customs compliance. Another common error is misclassifying chilled tuna as frozen tuna (0303.46). The distinction depends entirely on whether the fish has been frozen to a temperature that preserves it for long periods. Additionally, if the tuna has been filleted or cut into steaks, it must be moved from 0302.36 to 0304.49 (fresh/chilled fillets) or 0304.87 (frozen fillets).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030236 (the code used for chilled southern bluefin tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030236 (the code used for chilled southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 58% 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 030236, not only chilled southern bluefin tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $9.3M 63% of world exports
- 2 New Zealand $3.8M 26% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $1.1M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $15M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $10M 58% of world imports
- 2 United States $3.9M 22% of world imports
- 3 China $1.9M 10% of world imports
World total: $18M 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 southern bluefin tuna
Brazil classifies chilled southern bluefin tuna under NCM 0302.36.00: HS 0302.36 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled southern bluefin tuna
What is the HS code for Chilled southern bluefin tuna?
The HS code for Chilled southern bluefin tuna is 030236 (Fish; fresh or chilled, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The specific HS code for fresh or chilled Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is 0302.36.
How do I classify Chilled southern bluefin tuna for customs?
Chilled southern bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 030236 — Fish; fresh or chilled, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), 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 tuna fillets?
No, fillets are classified under heading 0304, specifically 0304.49 for fresh or chilled tuna fillets, as 0302.36 is for whole or gutted fish only.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled southern bluefin tuna (HS 030236)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030236 (the code used for chilled southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($9.3M, 63% of world exports), New Zealand ($3.8M) and South Africa ($1.1M). World exports came to about $15M, 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 southern bluefin tuna (HS 030236)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030236 (the code used for chilled southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($10M, 58% of world imports), the United States ($3.9M) and China ($1.9M). World imports came to about $18M, 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 southern bluefin tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030236 for Chilled southern bluefin 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 southern bluefin tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled southern bluefin tuna (HS 030236) is classified under NCM 0302.36.00.