Product classification
HS code for Chilled tuna: 0302.39
Fish, fresh or chilled, tuna, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.3, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled tuna under HS 0302.39
Classification of chilled tuna under HS code 030239 is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure. Chapter 3 encompasses fish and crustaceans, with heading 0302 specifically reserved for fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Within this heading, the 03023x series is dedicated to tunas (of the genus Thunnus). While specific subheadings exist for Albacore (030231), Yellowfin (030232), Skipjack (030233), Bigeye (030234), and Bluefin (030235/030236), the code 030239 serves as a residual category for "other" tuna species not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.). This classification requires the fish to be maintained at a temperature near freezing without being actually frozen, typically between 0°C and 4°C. The product must be whole, headed, or gutted, but must not be processed into fillets or minced meat, as those would shift the classification to Chapter 0304. Furthermore, the fish must not be "prepared or preserved" (such as canned or smoked), which would move it to Chapter 16. The distinction between "fresh" and "chilled" is often treated similarly in the HS, but "chilled" specifically implies the use of cooling agents like ice to lower the temperature without reaching the freezing point of the fish's cellular structure. This code is essential for international trade statistics and the application of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
- Covers
- Longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol)
- Blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus)
- Bullet tuna (Auxis rochei)
- Frigate tuna (Auxis thazard)
- Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis)
- Also under 0302.39
- Hawaiian Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi)
- Pacific Albacore
- Indian Ocean Skipjack
- Sri Lankan Yellowfin
Codes often confused with 0302.39
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. Common errors include using 030339 for frozen tuna, which requires a temperature below -18°C. Additionally, 0304 is often incorrectly used for fillets; 030239 only applies to whole or minimally processed fish. Specific species like Albacore must use 030231 instead of this general code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030239 (the code used for chilled tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030239 (the code used for chilled tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 19% 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 030239, not only chilled tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $5.7M 20% of world exports
- 2 Ecuador $3.6M 13% of world exports
- 3 Spain $3.5M 12% of world exports
World total: $28M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $7.4M 19% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $4.2M 11% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $3.6M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $39M 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 tuna
Brazil classifies chilled tuna under NCM 0302.39.00: HS 0302.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled tuna
What is the HS code for Chilled tuna?
The HS code for Chilled tuna is 030239 (Fish; fresh or chilled, tuna, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.3, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for chilled tuna not elsewhere specified is 030239.
How do I classify Chilled tuna for customs?
Chilled tuna is classified under HS code 030239 — Fish; fresh or chilled, tuna, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.3, 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.
What is the difference between 0302 and 0303?
Heading 0302 is for fresh or chilled fish, while 0303 is for fish that has been frozen.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled tuna (HS 030239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030239 (the code used for chilled tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($5.7M, 20% of world exports), Ecuador ($3.6M) and Spain ($3.5M). World exports came to about $28M, 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 tuna (HS 030239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030239 (the code used for chilled tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($7.4M, 19% of world imports), Belgium ($4.2M) and Portugal ($3.6M). World imports came to about $39M, 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 tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030239 for Chilled 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 tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled tuna (HS 030239) is classified under NCM 0302.39.00.