Product classification
HS code for Fresh albacore tuna: 0302.31
Fish, fresh or chilled, albacore or longfinned tunas (Thunnus alalunga), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh albacore tuna under HS 0302.31
Fresh albacore tuna is classified under HS code 0302.31. This classification follows the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System, where Chapter 3 covers fish and Heading 0302 covers fresh or chilled fish, excluding fillets and minced meat. Subheading 0302.31 is specifically dedicated to the species Thunnus alalunga, commonly known as albacore or longfinned tuna. The classification criteria require the fish to be fresh or chilled—meaning it has not been frozen—and it must be presented in a form that is not a fillet. This typically includes whole fish, fish that have been gutted, or fish that have had their gills removed. Albacore is distinguished from other tuna species by its long pectoral fins and specific meat quality. Accurate classification is essential for international trade because tuna species are often subject to strict documentation requirements from regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). The use of 0302.31 ensures that the trade of this specific species is tracked separately from other tunas like Yellowfin or Bluefin, which have their own dedicated subheadings within the 0302.3x series.
- Covers
- Fresh whole Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)
- Chilled gutted Albacore tuna
- Fresh gilled and gutted (G&G) longfinned tuna
- Chilled Albacore tuna for the sashimi market (non-filleted)
- Fresh Albacore tuna on ice
- Also under 0302.31
- Bumble Bee Seafoods (for sourcing)
- Starkist (for sourcing)
- various Spanish and French tuna fleets
- American Albacore Fishing Association
Codes often confused with 0302.31
Common mistake. Albacore tuna is frequently misclassified with other tuna species. For instance, fresh Yellowfin tuna is 0302.32, and fresh Skipjack is 0302.33. Another common error is the confusion between fresh and frozen states; frozen Albacore tuna must be classified under 0303.41. Additionally, if the tuna is processed into steaks or fillets, it no longer belongs in heading 0302 and must be classified under 0304.49 (for fresh fillets/steaks). Importers must verify both the species and the processing state to avoid using the incorrect code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030231 (the code used for fresh albacore tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030231 (the code used for fresh albacore tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 33% 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 030231, not only fresh albacore tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ireland $8.8M 24% of world exports
- 2 France $6.9M 18% of world exports
- 3 Ecuador $6.5M 17% of world exports
World total: $37M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $12M 33% of world imports
- 2 Italy $9.9M 28% of world imports
- 3 France $4.6M 13% of world imports
World total: $36M 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 fresh albacore tuna
Brazil classifies fresh albacore tuna under NCM 0302.31.00: HS 0302.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh albacore tuna
What is the HS code for Fresh albacore tuna?
The HS code for Fresh albacore tuna is 030231 (Fish; fresh or chilled, albacore or longfinned tunas (Thunnus alalunga), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled albacore (longfinned) tuna (Thunnus alalunga) is 0302.31.
How do I classify Fresh albacore tuna for customs?
Fresh albacore tuna is classified under HS code 030231 — Fish; fresh or chilled, albacore or longfinned tunas (Thunnus alalunga), 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.
Can tuna steaks be classified under 0302.31?
No, tuna steaks are considered fish meat or fillets and are classified under heading 0304, specifically 0304.49 for fresh tuna steaks.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh albacore tuna (HS 030231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030231 (the code used for fresh albacore tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($8.8M, 24% of world exports), France ($6.9M) and Ecuador ($6.5M). World exports came to about $37M, 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 fresh albacore tuna (HS 030231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030231 (the code used for fresh albacore tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($12M, 33% of world imports), Italy ($9.9M) and France ($4.6M). World imports came to about $36M, 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 Fresh albacore tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030231 for Fresh albacore 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 fresh albacore tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh albacore tuna (HS 030231) is classified under NCM 0302.31.00.