Product classification

HS code for Frozen skipjack fillets: 0304.87

Fish fillets, frozen, tunas (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis).

Classification of frozen skipjack fillets under HS 0304.87

HS code 0304.87 is specifically applied to frozen fillets of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). Fillets are defined as the strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone of the fish, representing the main edible portion. This code falls under heading 0304, which encompasses fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, provided they are frozen. Skipjack tuna is a major commercial species, and its classification is distinct from other tuna species like albacore or yellowfin, which have their own subheadings within the 0304.8x series. Accurate classification requires verifying the species as Katsuwonus pelamis and ensuring the product meets the definition of a fillet. The freezing process must be sufficient to preserve the product in a solid state throughout the supply chain. This code is used globally to monitor skipjack tuna stocks and manage trade quotas, making it one of the most frequently used codes in the seafood industry. Proper documentation of the species is required to avoid delays during customs clearance, as tuna species are subject to strict international monitoring.

Covers
  • Frozen skipjack tuna fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  • Frozen skipjack tuna loins (raw and frozen)
  • Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) skipjack fillets
  • Frozen skipjack steaks (if meeting fillet criteria)
Also under 0304.87
  • Thai Union (Tuna Loins)
  • Bolton Group (Tuna Fillets)
  • Bumble Bee (Tuna Steaks)
  • StarKist (Tuna Fillets)
  • Mowi (Tuna Portions)

Codes often confused with 0304.87

Common mistake. Frequently confused with 0304.81 (Albacore fillets) or 0304.83 (Yellowfin fillets). While all are tunas, the HS system requires species-specific reporting. It is also misclassified under 1604.14 if the skipjack has been cooked or prepared beyond simple freezing, such as canned tuna.

Top exporters and importers of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen skipjack fillets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen skipjack fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 36% 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 030487, not only frozen skipjack fillets.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$324M
  2. 2 Indonesia $314M
  3. 3 China $255M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $809M
  2. 2 United States $449M
  3. 3 South Korea $150M

World total: $2.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 skipjack fillets

Brazil classifies frozen skipjack fillets under NCM 0304.87.00: HS 0304.87 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about frozen skipjack fillets

What is the HS code for Frozen skipjack fillets?

The HS code for Frozen skipjack fillets is 030487 (Fish fillets; frozen, tunas (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis)). The HS code for frozen skipjack tuna fillets is 0304.87.

How do I classify Frozen skipjack fillets for customs?

Frozen skipjack fillets is classified under HS code 030487 โ€” Fish fillets; frozen, tunas (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can canned skipjack use this code?

No, canned skipjack is considered a prepared or preserved product and must be classified under heading 1604, specifically 1604.14.

Which countries are the top exporters of frozen skipjack fillets (HS 030487)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen skipjack fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $324M, 17% of world exports), Indonesia ($314M) and China ($255M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 skipjack fillets (HS 030487)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen skipjack fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($809M, 36% of world imports), the United States ($449M) and South Korea ($150M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 skipjack fillets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030487 for Frozen skipjack fillets 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 skipjack fillets in Brazil?

In Brazil, frozen skipjack fillets (HS 030487) is classified under NCM 0304.87.00.