Product classification
HS code for Frozen tuna fillets: 0304.87
Fish fillets, frozen, tunas (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis).
Classification of frozen tuna fillets under HS 0304.87
Frozen tuna fillets are classified under HS code 0304.87. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 0304 is dedicated to fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, in fresh, chilled, or frozen states. The subheading 0304.87 specifically targets tunas of the genus Thunnus and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). To be classified here, the product must meet the definition of a \"fillet,\" which refers to the strips of meat cut parallel to the fish's backbone. Furthermore, the product must be frozen. This code is essential for international trade as it distinguishes high-value fillets from whole fish or processed tuna products. The classification covers various species within the Thunnus genus, including Albacore (Thunnus alalunga), Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), and Bigeye (Thunnus obesus). Proper identification of the species and the processing state (fillet vs. whole) is mandatory for accurate duty assessment and adherence to fishing quotas and environmental regulations. The freezing process must be sufficient to preserve the product during transport without altering the character of the raw fish meat.
- Covers
- Frozen Yellowfin tuna fillets (Thunnus albacares)
- Frozen Skipjack tuna fillets (Katsuwonus pelamis)
- Frozen Albacore tuna fillets (Thunnus alalunga)
- Frozen Bigeye tuna fillets (Thunnus obesus)
- Frozen Bluefin tuna fillets (Thunnus thynnus)
- 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. A frequent error is classifying frozen tuna fillets under HS code 0303.42 or 0303.43. These codes are for whole frozen Yellowfin and Skipjack tunas, respectively. Heading 0303 is strictly for whole fish, headed, or gutted fish, whereas 0304 is for fillets. Another common mistake is using HS code 1604.14, which is for prepared or preserved tuna, such as canned tuna or tuna that has been cooked before freezing. If the tuna fillet is raw and merely frozen, it must remain in 0304.87. Misclassifying raw fillets as prepared products can lead to significantly different tariff rates and trade barriers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen tuna fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen tuna 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 tuna fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$324M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $314M 16% of world exports
- 3 China $255M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $809M 36% of world imports
- 2 United States $449M 20% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $150M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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. 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 tuna fillets
Brazil classifies frozen tuna 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 tuna fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen tuna fillets?
The HS code for Frozen tuna fillets is 030487 (Fish fillets; frozen, tunas (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis)). The primary HS code for frozen tuna fillets, including skipjack and species of the genus Thunnus, is 0304.87.
How do I classify Frozen tuna fillets for customs?
Frozen tuna fillets is classified under HS code 030487 — Fish fillets; frozen, tunas (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 0304.87 differ from 1604.14?
HS code 0304.87 is for raw, frozen fillets. HS code 1604.14 is for tuna that has been prepared or preserved, which usually involves cooking, smoking, or canning. If the tuna is cooked and then frozen, it belongs in 1604.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen tuna fillets (HS 030487)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen tuna 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 tuna fillets (HS 030487)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030487 (the code used for frozen tuna 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 tuna fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030487 for Frozen tuna 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 tuna fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen tuna fillets (HS 030487) is classified under NCM 0304.87.00.