Product classification
HS code for Frozen tuna: 0303.49
Fish, frozen, tuna, n.e.c. in item no. 0303.4, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen tuna under HS 0303.49
HS code 0303.49 is a residual or "basket" category for frozen tuna that are not specifically identified in the preceding subheadings of 0303.4. The Harmonized System provides specific codes for major commercial tuna species: Albacore (0303.41), Yellowfin (0303.42), Skipjack (0303.43), Bigeye (0303.44), and Bluefin (0303.45/46). Any other species belonging to the genus Thunnus or the species Euthynnus pelamis that are not covered by those specific codes fall into 0303.49. This code applies to whole fish, headed fish, or gutted fish that have been frozen for preservation. It excludes fish fillets and other fish meat, which are classified under heading 0304. Proper classification requires a clear identification of the fish species to ensure it does not belong in one of the more specific subheadings, as per GRI 3(a) which mandates the use of the most specific description.
- Covers
- Frozen Longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol)
- Frozen Blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus)
- Other frozen tuna species not listed in 0303.41-0303.46
- Frozen tuna, whole, for industrial canning
- Frozen tuna, headed and gutted, of non-specified species
- Also under 0303.49
- Tri Marine International (fishing/processing)
- Thai Union Group (for processing)
- Bumble Bee Foods (for canning)
- StarKist (for canning)
- Dongwon Industries (fishing/processing)
Codes often confused with 0303.49
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying all frozen tuna under 0303.49 without checking for a more specific species code. For example, Yellowfin tuna must be classified under 0303.42. Another frequent error is confusing whole frozen tuna with frozen tuna loins or steaks. If the tuna has been cut into loins or steaks (fillets), it should be classified under 0304.87. Additionally, fresh tuna is classified under heading 0302, not 0303.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030349 (the code used for frozen tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030349 (the code used for frozen tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Seychelles, with 43% 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 030349, not only frozen tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sri Lanka $42M 28% of world exports
- 2 Senegal $20M 13% of world exports
- 3 Fiji $17M 11% of world exports
World total: $151M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Seychelles $132M 43% of world imports
- 2 Côte d'Ivoire $111M 36% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $10.0M 3.2% of world imports
World total: $308M 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 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 tuna
Brazil classifies frozen tuna under NCM 0303.49.00: HS 0303.49 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
What is the HS code for Frozen tuna?
The HS code for Frozen tuna is 030349 (Fish; frozen, tuna, n.e.c. in item no. 0303.4, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99).
How do I classify Frozen tuna for customs?
Frozen tuna is classified under HS code 030349 — Fish; frozen, tuna, n.e.c. in item no. 0303.4, 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.
What is the HS code for frozen tuna (n.e.c.)?
The HS code for frozen tuna not elsewhere classified is 0303.49.
Why is my tuna not classified under 0303.49?
If your tuna is a common species like Skipjack or Yellowfin, it has its own specific code (e.g., 0303.43 or 0303.42). 0303.49 is only for species without a dedicated subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen tuna (HS 030349)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030349 (the code used for frozen tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($42M, 28% of world exports), Senegal ($20M) and Fiji ($17M). World exports came to about $151M, 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 (HS 030349)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030349 (the code used for frozen tuna) in UN Comtrade data were the Seychelles ($132M, 43% of world imports), Côte d'Ivoire ($111M) and Portugal ($10.0M). World imports came to about $308M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030349 for Frozen 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 tuna in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen tuna (HS 030349) is classified under NCM 0303.49.00.