HS Code for Fresh yellowfin tuna

HS code 0302.32 is the international standard for classifying fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). This code is found in Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 specifically deals with fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The subheading 0302.32 is exclusive to the yellowfin species. For a product to be classified here, it must be presented whole or "dressed" (gutted and headed) but not filleted. The distinction between fresh/chilled (0302) and frozen (0303) is a primary factor in HS classification. Yellowfin tuna is often used in the high-end sashimi market, where the "fresh" designation is paramount. If the fish is frozen at sea or in a processing facility, it must be moved to 0303.42. Furthermore, if the fish is cut into steaks or fillets, it falls under 0304.49. The classification requires the fish to be maintained at a temperature near 0 degrees Celsius without actually freezing the tissue, which preserves the texture and quality required for specific culinary applications.

Products Included

• Whole fresh yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
• Chilled yellowfin tuna, gutted and headed
• Fresh yellowfin tuna with gills removed
• Yellowfin tuna on ice (not frozen)

Common Misclassification

Yellowfin tuna is frequently misclassified under 0303.42, which is the code for frozen yellowfin tuna. This is a critical distinction for customs valuation and health inspections. Another common error is using 0302.31, which is for Albacore or longfinned tunas, or 0302.33, which is for Skipjack tuna. Because these species can look similar when dressed, biological identification is necessary. Additionally, fresh yellowfin fillets are often incorrectly placed in 0302.32, but they must be classified under 0304.49 as "fish fillets and other fish meat."

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh yellowfin tuna?

The HS code for fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna (whole or dressed) is 0302.32.

Are tuna steaks covered under this HS code?

No, tuna steaks and fillets are classified under heading 0304, specifically 0304.49 for fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna meat.