Product classification
HS code for Live bluefin tuna: 0301.94
Fish, live, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis).
Classification of live bluefin tuna under HS 0301.94
HS code 030194 is used for the classification of live Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus orientalis). This code falls under Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0301 is dedicated to live fish. The specific subheading 030194 was created to distinguish these high-value species from other types of tuna and live fish. This distinction is critical for the management of global fisheries and the enforcement of quotas set by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) such as ICCAT. The classification applies regardless of whether the fish are intended for aquaculture (fattening in pens), research, or immediate consumption, provided they are transported in a live state. Because bluefin tuna are subject to intense international monitoring, the use of the correct HS code is mandatory for the issuance of Bluefin Tuna Catch Documents (BCD). The classification process involves verifying the scientific name of the species, as different tuna species have distinct codes. For instance, Southern bluefin tuna has its own specific code (030195). Proper aeration and water temperature control systems are usually required for the transport of these animals, but the equipment does not change the classification of the fish themselves.
- Covers
- Live Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
- Live Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis)
- Juvenile bluefin tuna for aquaculture seeding
- Mature bluefin tuna transported for broodstock
- Also under 0301.94
- Balfegó (Spain)
- Umami Sustainable Seafood (Mexico)
- various tuna ranching operations in the Mediterranean and Pacific
Codes often confused with 0301.94
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 030195, which is specifically for Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). While they are all bluefin, the HS system separates them by species. Another error is using 030235, which is for fresh or chilled bluefin tuna that is no longer alive. If the fish is being transported in a tank and is alive upon arrival, 030194 must be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030194 (the code used for live bluefin tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030194 (the code used for live bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malta, with 77% 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 030194, not only live bluefin tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $18M 25% of world exports
- 2 Libya* ~$17M 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Tunisia* ~$12M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malta $75M 77% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $8.6M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Spain $7.7M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $98M 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 codes for live bluefin tuna
Brazil splits HS 0301.94 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0301.94.10Live Atlantic/Pacific bluefin tuna for breeding
- 0301.94.90Other live Atlantic/Pacific bluefin tuna
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live bluefin tuna
What is the HS code for Live bluefin tuna?
The HS code for Live bluefin tuna is 030194 (Fish; live, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis)).
How do I classify Live bluefin tuna for customs?
Live bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 030194 — Fish; live, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for live Atlantic bluefin tuna?
The HS code for live Atlantic bluefin tuna is 030194.
Is there a different code for Pacific bluefin tuna?
No, both Atlantic (Thunnus thynnus) and Pacific (Thunnus orientalis) bluefin tunas share the HS code 030194.
Which countries are the top exporters of live bluefin tuna (HS 030194)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030194 (the code used for live bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 25% of world exports), Libya (about $17M) and Tunisia (about $12M). World exports came to about $70M, 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 live bluefin tuna (HS 030194)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030194 (the code used for live bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Malta ($75M, 77% of world imports), Türkiye ($8.6M) and Spain ($7.7M). World imports came to about $98M, 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 Live bluefin tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030194 for Live 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 live bluefin tuna in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030194 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live bluefin tuna depends on the product's details: 0301.94.10 (Live Atlantic/Pacific bluefin tuna for breeding), 0301.94.90 (Other live Atlantic/Pacific bluefin tuna).