Product classification
HS code for Frozen skipjack tuna: 0303.43
Fish, frozen, skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen skipjack tuna under HS 0303.43
Frozen skipjack tuna is classified under HS code 0303.43. This code is situated within the category for frozen fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The classification is strictly species-dependent, applying only to Katsuwonus pelamis, commonly known as skipjack tuna or stripe-bellied bonito. To qualify for this code, the fish must be frozen and presented in a whole state, or as headed, gutted, or tailed (H&G). The Harmonized System distinguishes between different tuna species to facilitate trade monitoring and conservation efforts. Because skipjack is a major component of the global canning industry, accurate classification at the raw material stage is vital for customs valuation and quota management. If the fish has been processed into fillets or meat chunks before freezing, it is no longer eligible for 0303.43 and must be moved to the more specific processing codes in the next heading.
- Covers
- Whole frozen skipjack tuna
- Frozen skipjack tuna, headed and gutted (H&G)
- Frozen skipjack tuna, gilled and gutted
- Stripe-bellied bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis), frozen
- Also under 0303.43
- Thai Union Group (for processing)
- Bumble Bee Foods (for canning)
- StarKist (for canning)
- Dongwon Industries (fishing/processing)
- Bolton Group (for canning)
Codes often confused with 0303.43
Common mistake. Skipjack tuna is often misclassified under HS code 0303.49, which is a residual category for \"other\" tunas. This happens when the specific species is not clearly identified on the commercial invoice. Another major area of confusion is HS code 0304.87, which covers frozen tuna fillets. If the skipjack has been deboned and sliced into fillets, it must be classified under 0304. Additionally, skipjack is sometimes confused with Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda), which is classified under 0303.89 as it belongs to a different genus.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030343 (the code used for frozen skipjack tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030343 (the code used for frozen skipjack tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 51% 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 030343, not only frozen skipjack tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $204M 13% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$165M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Micronesia* ~$152M 9.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $853M 51% of world imports
- 2 Philippines $209M 12% of world imports
- 3 Mauritius $116M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 tuna
Brazil classifies frozen skipjack tuna under NCM 0303.43.00: HS 0303.43 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 tuna
What is the HS code for Frozen skipjack tuna?
The HS code for Frozen skipjack tuna is 030343 (Fish; frozen, skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The specific HS code for frozen skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is 0303.43.
How do I classify Frozen skipjack tuna for customs?
Frozen skipjack tuna is classified under HS code 030343 — Fish; frozen, skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis), 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.
Can frozen skipjack fillets use this code?
No, frozen fillets are classified under HS code 0304.87; 0303.43 is only for whole or basic dressed fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen skipjack tuna (HS 030343)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030343 (the code used for frozen skipjack tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($204M, 13% of world exports), Taiwan (about $165M) and Micronesia (about $152M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 tuna (HS 030343)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030343 (the code used for frozen skipjack tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($853M, 51% of world imports), the Philippines ($209M) and Mauritius ($116M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030343 for Frozen skipjack 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 skipjack tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen skipjack tuna (HS 030343) is classified under NCM 0303.43.00.