Product classification
HS code for Frozen bluefin tuna: 0303.45
Fish, frozen, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen bluefin tuna under HS 0303.45
The classification of frozen bluefin tuna under HS code 0303.45 is governed by specific species identification and the state of preservation. Heading 0303 applies to fish that are frozen, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 0303.45 specifically identifies Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis). This classification is precise and excludes other tuna species like Albacore or Yellowfin, which have their own dedicated subheadings. The product must be frozen to a temperature that ensures the core is maintained at a level where biological activity is suspended, typically -18 degrees Celsius or lower. Furthermore, the fish must be presented whole, headed, gutted, or in pieces that still contain the bone; once the bones are removed and it is presented as a fillet or steak, it moves to heading 0304. The classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring the species-specific subheading is applied correctly.
- Covers
- Frozen Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), whole
- Frozen Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis), whole
- Gilled and gutted (G&G) frozen bluefin tuna
- Headed, gutted, and tailed (HGT) frozen bluefin tuna
- Also under 0303.45
- Balfegรณ Group (Spain, aquaculture)
- Kindai University (Japan, aquaculture)
- ลma Tuna (Japan, wild catch)
- Yamayuki (Japan, wholesaler)
- Tsukiji Uoichiba (Japan, market)
Codes often confused with 0303.45
Common mistake. Bluefin tuna is often misclassified under HS code 0303.46, which is specifically for Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). While they are all bluefin, the geographical and biological distinction is mandatory in the HS nomenclature. Another common error is using 0304 for whole frozen fish; 0304 should only be used if the fish is filleted or the meat is removed from the bone. Finally, if the tuna is prepared or preserved (e.g., canned or cooked), it falls under heading 1604 rather than Chapter 3.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030345 (the code used for frozen bluefin tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030345 (the code used for frozen bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Malta, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 28% 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 030345, not only frozen bluefin tuna.
Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports
- 1 Malta $47M 60% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $13M 17% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $8.5M 11% of world exports
World total: $78M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $10.0M 28% of world imports
- 2 China $6.7M 19% of world imports
- 3 Japan $5.5M 15% of world imports
World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
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 frozen bluefin tuna
Brazil classifies frozen bluefin tuna under NCM 0303.45.00: HS 0303.45 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen bluefin tuna
What is the HS code for Frozen bluefin tuna?
The HS code for Frozen bluefin tuna is 030345 (Fish; frozen, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna is 0303.45.
How do I classify Frozen bluefin tuna for customs?
Frozen bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 030345 โ Fish; frozen, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0303.45 include Southern bluefin tuna?
No, Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is classified under its own specific HS code, 0303.46.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen bluefin tuna (HS 030345)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030345 (the code used for frozen bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Malta ($47M, 60% of world exports), Morocco ($13M) and South Korea ($8.5M). World exports came to about $78M, 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 frozen bluefin tuna (HS 030345)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030345 (the code used for frozen bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($10.0M, 28% of world imports), China ($6.7M) and Japan ($5.5M). 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 Frozen bluefin tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030345 for Frozen 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 frozen bluefin tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen bluefin tuna (HS 030345) is classified under NCM 0303.45.00.