Product classification
HS code for Frozen southern bluefin tuna: 0303.46
Fish, frozen, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen southern bluefin tuna under HS 0303.46
Frozen southern bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 0303.46. This code is specifically designated for the species Thunnus maccoyii. As part of the broader tuna category in Chapter 3, this subheading is used for whole or basic dressed fish that have been frozen. The southern bluefin is a highly regulated species due to its conservation status, and the HS system provides this specific code to allow for precise tracking of international trade volumes. Classification under 0303.46 requires that the fish is not filleted or minced. The distinction between southern bluefin and other bluefin varieties (Atlantic and Pacific) is critical, as they are subject to different regional fishery management organization (RFMO) requirements and catch documentation schemes. Accurate classification ensures compliance with both customs regulations and international environmental treaties.
- Covers
- Whole frozen southern bluefin tuna
- Frozen southern bluefin tuna, headed and gutted (H&G)
- Frozen southern bluefin tuna, gilled and gutted
- Thunnus maccoyii, frozen whole
- Also under 0303.46
- Clean Seas Seafood (Australia, aquaculture)
- Tony's Tuna International (Australia, aquaculture)
- Huon Aquaculture (Australia, aquaculture)
- Maruha Nichiro (Japan, processing/distribution)
- Yamayuki (Japan, wholesaler)
Codes often confused with 0303.46
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0303.45, which is for Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus orientalis). Because these species are physically similar, they are often confused in shipping documentation. Another common error is using 0304.87 for frozen fillets of southern bluefin tuna. If the fish has been processed into loins or steaks, it must be classified under 0304. Furthermore, if the tuna is intended for sashimi and has been ultra-low temperature (ULT) frozen, it still remains in 0303.46 as long as it is whole or H&G.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030346 (the code used for frozen southern bluefin tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030346 (the code used for frozen southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 96% 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 030346, not only frozen southern bluefin tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $75M 74% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $19M 18% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$6.8M 6.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $102M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $107M 96% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $1.5M 1.3% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $1.0M 0.9% of world imports
World total: $111M 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 southern bluefin tuna
Brazil classifies frozen southern bluefin tuna under NCM 0303.46.00: HS 0303.46 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen southern bluefin tuna
What is the HS code for Frozen southern bluefin tuna?
The HS code for Frozen southern bluefin tuna is 030346 (Fish; frozen, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is 0303.46.
How do I classify Frozen southern bluefin tuna for customs?
Frozen southern bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 030346 — Fish; frozen, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii), 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.
How is southern bluefin distinguished from Atlantic bluefin in the HS?
Southern bluefin is 0303.46, while Atlantic and Pacific bluefin are grouped together under 0303.45.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen southern bluefin tuna (HS 030346)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030346 (the code used for frozen southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($75M, 74% of world exports), South Korea ($19M) and Taiwan (about $6.8M). World exports came to about $102M, 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 southern bluefin tuna (HS 030346)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030346 (the code used for frozen southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($107M, 96% of world imports), Singapore ($1.5M) and South Korea ($1.0M). World imports came to about $111M, 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 southern bluefin tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030346 for Frozen southern 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 southern bluefin tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen southern bluefin tuna (HS 030346) is classified under NCM 0303.46.00.