Product classification
HS code for Live southern bluefin tuna: 0301.95
Fish, live, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii).
Classification of live southern bluefin tuna under HS 0301.95
Live southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is classified under HS code 0301.95. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish, and heading 0301 is dedicated specifically to live fish. Within this heading, the system differentiates between ornamental fish and other live fish. Subheading 0301.95 is a species-specific code created to monitor the trade of this high-value and ecologically sensitive species. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule 1, which relies on the specific nomenclature of the subheading. Southern bluefin tuna are often transported live for aquaculture "ranching" purposes, where they are caught in the wild and then fattened in pens. Accurate classification is critical for compliance with the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) tracking requirements. If the fish were dead at the time of entry, even if fresh, they would move to heading 0302.
- Covers
- Live Thunnus maccoyii specimens
- Southern bluefin tuna fingerlings for aquaculture
- Mature southern bluefin tuna transported in specialized live-haul vessels
- Also under 0301.95
- Clean Seas Seafood (Australia)
- various tuna ranching operations in South Australia
Codes often confused with 0301.95
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is confusing 0301.95 with 0301.94, which is the code for Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus orientalis). Because these species are visually similar and all carry the "bluefin" name, biological verification is necessary. Additionally, if the tuna is not live but merely fresh or chilled, it must be classified under 0302.35. Using the live fish code for dead fish is a major compliance error that affects fisheries management data.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030195 (the code used for live southern bluefin tuna), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030195 (the code used for live southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 73% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 86% of world imports. Tunisia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($17K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Bahrain did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030195, not only live southern bluefin tuna.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $4K 73% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $1K 23% of world exports
- 3 France $262 4.4% of world exports
Tunisia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($17K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $6K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $174K 86% of world imports
- 2 Mozambique $16K 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Slovenia $6K 3.0% of world imports
Bahrain did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $202K 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 codes for live southern bluefin tuna
Brazil splits HS 0301.95 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0301.95.10Live southern bluefin tuna for breeding
- 0301.95.90Other live southern bluefin tuna
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live southern bluefin tuna
What is the HS code for Live southern bluefin tuna?
The HS code for Live southern bluefin tuna is 030195 (Fish; live, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii)). The specific HS code for live southern bluefin tuna is 0301.95.
How do I classify Live southern bluefin tuna for customs?
Live southern bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 030195 — Fish; live, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to frozen tuna?
No, frozen southern bluefin tuna is classified under HS code 0303.45. HS 0301.95 is strictly for live animals.
Which countries are the top exporters of live southern bluefin tuna (HS 030195)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030195 (the code used for live southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($4K, 73% of world exports), Brazil ($1K) and France ($262). World exports came to about $6K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Tunisia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($17K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of live southern bluefin tuna (HS 030195)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030195 (the code used for live southern bluefin tuna) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($174K, 86% of world imports), Mozambique ($16K) and Slovenia ($6K). World imports came to about $202K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bahrain did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Live southern bluefin tuna the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030195 for Live 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 live southern bluefin tuna in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030195 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live southern bluefin tuna depends on the product's details: 0301.95.10 (Live southern bluefin tuna for breeding), 0301.95.90 (Other live southern bluefin tuna).