Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other preservation methods. This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of capture, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, classification is layered by species and degree of processing: live fish fall under 0301, fresh or chilled fish under 0302, frozen fish under 0303, and fish fillets under 0304. As a high-value migratory fish, the live trade of bluefin tuna is strictly regulated by international quotas and endangered species conventions. Heading 0301 refers specifically to live fish, covering ornamental fish, live fish for consumption and other live fish. Under this heading, classification is further divided by species: 0301.1 for ornamental fish and 0301.9 for other live fish. Live fish for consumption include salmonidae, tilapia, cyprinidae, tuna, etc. Live bluefin tuna usually refers to live capture or transfer for farming and fattening, rather than direct consumption. This heading requires that the goods remain alive; transport requires specialized live fish tanks or oxygenation equipment, and once dead, they are classified under 0302 or 0303. Code 030194 is a 6-digit HS subheading. The first 2 digits '03' represent Chapter 3 (fish and aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 '01' represent heading 0301 (live fish); digits 5-6 '94' is the subheading specifically for bluefin tuna. In HS 2022, 0301.94 covers live bluefin tuna, including Atlantic bluefin, Pacific bluefin and southern bluefin. This subheading is a subdivision under 0301.9 (other live fish) and is parallel to 0301.95 (live southern bluefin tuna? Note: actually 0301.95 is southern bluefin tuna). Note that 0301.94 refers only to live specimens; chilled or frozen bluefin tuna are classified under 0302.35/0303.45 respectively. Live bluefin tuna is classified under 0301.94 rather than 0302 or 0303, the core reason being that the commodity state is 'live'. If dead but not frozen, it should be classified under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish); if frozen, under 0303. In addition, 0301.94 refers specifically to bluefin tuna, while other live tuna (such as yellowfin, bigeye) are classified under 0301.99. Farmed versus wild does not affect classification, but the source must be declared. This code also involves CITES Appendix species, requiring additional permits.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other preservation methods. This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of capture, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, classification is layered by species and degree of processing: live fish fall under 0301, fresh or chilled fish under 0302, frozen fish under 0303, and fish fillets under 0304. As a high-value migratory fish, the live trade of bluefin tuna is strictly regulated by international quotas and endangered species conventions.
Heading
Heading 0301 refers specifically to live fish, covering ornamental fish, live fish for consumption and other live fish. Under this heading, classification is further divided by species: 0301.1 for ornamental fish and 0301.9 for other live fish. Live fish for consumption include salmonidae, tilapia, cyprinidae, tuna, etc. Live bluefin tuna usually refers to live capture or transfer for farming and fattening, rather than direct consumption. This heading requires that the goods remain alive; transport requires specialized live fish tanks or oxygenation equipment, and once dead, they are classified under 0302 or 0303.
Digit Breakdown
Code 030194 is a 6-digit HS subheading. The first 2 digits '03' represent Chapter 3 (fish and aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 '01' represent heading 0301 (live fish); digits 5-6 '94' is the subheading specifically for bluefin tuna. In HS 2022, 0301.94 covers live bluefin tuna, including Atlantic bluefin, Pacific bluefin and southern bluefin. This subheading is a subdivision under 0301.9 (other live fish) and is parallel to 0301.95 (live southern bluefin tuna? Note: actually 0301.95 is southern bluefin tuna). Note that 0301.94 refers only to live specimens; chilled or frozen bluefin tuna are classified under 0302.35/0303.45 respectively.
Classification Basis
Live bluefin tuna is classified under 0301.94 rather than 0302 or 0303, the core reason being that the commodity state is 'live'. If dead but not frozen, it should be classified under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish); if frozen, under 0303. In addition, 0301.94 refers specifically to bluefin tuna, while other live tuna (such as yellowfin, bigeye) are classified under 0301.99. Farmed versus wild does not affect classification, but the source must be declared. This code also involves CITES Appendix species, requiring additional permits.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the specific species name, such as 'live bluefin tuna', and indicate the Latin scientific name (e.g., Thunnus thynnus) State: Clearly indicate live, and note the transport method (e.g., live fish tank, oxygenated bag) Specifications: Declare by weight or body length, such as 'XX kg per fish' or 'body length XX cm' Source: Indicate wild-caught or farmed; for farmed, farm information must be provided Fishing area: Fill in the FAO fishing area or specific sea area, such as 'Northwest Atlantic' Latin scientific name: Accurately fill in the species Latin name, such as Thunnus thynnus (Atlantic bluefin) CITES permit number: If CITES Appendix species are involved, fill in the permit number Purpose: Such as 'farming and fattening', 'ornamental', 'breeding' Customs declaration example: Product name: live bluefin tuna (Atlantic bluefin); State: live, transported in oxygenated tank; Specifications: 15-20 kg per fish; Source: wild-caught; Fishing area: FAO Area 21 (Northwest Atlantic); Latin scientific name: Thunnus thynnus; CITES permit number: XXXXXX; Purpose: farming and fattening. Remarks: Attached with official quarantine certificate from the exporting country and CITES export permit. Failure to distinguish bluefin tuna from other tuna, resulting in incorrect coding. Confusing live with chilled, mistakenly classified under 0302 or 0303. Omitting CITES permit, causing customs clearance obstruction. Latin scientific name spelling errors, affecting classification. Failure to indicate source (wild/farmed), which may trigger anti-dumping or quota issues.
Product name
Declare the specific species name, such as 'live bluefin tuna', and indicate the Latin scientific name (e.g., Thunnus thynnus)
⚠️ Writing only 'tuna' without distinguishing bluefin, or mistakenly writing 'bluefin tuna (chilled)'
State
Clearly indicate live, and note the transport method (e.g., live fish tank, oxygenated bag)
⚠️ Not indicating live, or mistakenly filling in 'fresh' or 'chilled'
Specifications
Declare by weight or body length, such as 'XX kg per fish' or 'body length XX cm'
⚠️ Writing only 'large', 'medium', 'small' without specific values
Source
Indicate wild-caught or farmed; for farmed, farm information must be provided
⚠️ Confusing wild with farmed, or failing to provide farming certification
Fishing area
Fill in the FAO fishing area or specific sea area, such as 'Northwest Atlantic'
⚠️ Filling in vague information such as 'Pacific' without specifying the FAO area
Latin scientific name
Accurately fill in the species Latin name, such as Thunnus thynnus (Atlantic bluefin)
⚠️ Spelling errors or using common names instead
CITES permit number
If CITES Appendix species are involved, fill in the permit number
⚠️ Omitting or filling in an invalid number
Purpose
Such as 'farming and fattening', 'ornamental', 'breeding'
⚠️ Not indicating purpose, or mistakenly filling in 'for consumption' (live specimens are usually not for direct consumption)
Example： Customs declaration example: Product name: live bluefin tuna (Atlantic bluefin); State: live, transported in oxygenated tank; Specifications: 15-20 kg per fish; Source: wild-caught; Fishing area: FAO Area 21 (Northwest Atlantic); Latin scientific name: Thunnus thynnus; CITES permit number: XXXXXX; Purpose: farming and fattening. Remarks: Attached with official quarantine certificate from the exporting country and CITES export permit.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish bluefin tuna from other tuna, resulting in incorrect coding.
Confusing live with chilled, mistakenly classified under 0302 or 0303.
Latin scientific name spelling errors, affecting classification.
Failure to indicate source (wild/farmed), which may trigger anti-dumping or quota issues.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the HS Convention and the Import and Export Tariff. First, the commodity must be live fish, meeting the description of heading 0301. Second, subheading 0301.94 explicitly names 'bluefin tuna', including Atlantic bluefin (Thunnus thynnus), Pacific bluefin (Thunnus orientalis) and southern bluefin (Thunnus maccoyii). If it is other tuna, it is classified under 0301.99. In addition, reference must be made to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices; some bluefin tuna populations are listed in Appendix I or II, and the species protection level must be verified during classification. 0302.35 Fresh or chilled bluefin tuna: 0302.35 is fresh or chilled, not live; 0301.94 requires live. The core difference is the alive state; once dead, it is classified under 0302. 0303.45 Frozen bluefin tuna: 0303.45 is frozen, excluding live. Freezing causes cell death, not meeting the definition of 0301. 0301.95 Live southern bluefin tuna: 0301.95 refers specifically to southern bluefin (Thunnus maccoyii), while 0301.94 covers other bluefin (Atlantic, Pacific). If it is southern bluefin, it should be classified under 0301.95. 0301.99 Other live fish: 0301.99 is other live fish, including non-bluefin tuna (such as yellowfin, bigeye). If the species is not bluefin, it is classified under this code. 0304.49 Fresh or chilled fish fillets: 0304.49 is fish fillets, already processed and sliced, not live. Live fish are not sliced. Confirm the commodity is live, not dead or frozen. Verify whether the Latin scientific name is bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus/orientalis). Confirm whether it is southern bluefin; if so, classify under 0301.95. Check whether the CITES permit is attached. Verify whether the fishing area is within quota management scope.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the HS Convention and the Import and Export Tariff. First, the commodity must be live fish, meeting the description of heading 0301. Second, subheading 0301.94 explicitly names 'bluefin tuna', including Atlantic bluefin (Thunnus thynnus), Pacific bluefin (Thunnus orientalis) and southern bluefin (Thunnus maccoyii). If it is other tuna, it is classified under 0301.99. In addition, reference must be made to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices; some bluefin tuna populations are listed in Appendix I or II, and the species protection level must be verified during classification.
Confused Codes：
0302.35 - Fresh or chilled bluefin tuna
0302.35 is fresh or chilled, not live; 0301.94 requires live. The core difference is the alive state; once dead, it is classified under 0302.
0303.45 - Frozen bluefin tuna
0303.45 is frozen, excluding live. Freezing causes cell death, not meeting the definition of 0301.
0301.95 - Live southern bluefin tuna
0301.95 refers specifically to southern bluefin (Thunnus maccoyii), while 0301.94 covers other bluefin (Atlantic, Pacific). If it is southern bluefin, it should be classified under 0301.95.
0301.99 - Other live fish
0301.99 is other live fish, including non-bluefin tuna (such as yellowfin, bigeye). If the species is not bluefin, it is classified under this code.
0304.49 - Fresh or chilled fish fillets
0304.49 is fish fillets, already processed and sliced, not live. Live fish are not sliced.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the commodity is live, not dead or frozen.
✓ Verify whether the Latin scientific name is bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus/orientalis).
✓ Confirm whether it is southern bluefin; if so, classify under 0301.95.
✓ Check whether the CITES permit is attached.
✓ Verify whether the fishing area is within quota management scope.
❓ FAQ
How to look up the HS code for live bluefin tuna? You can query through the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or the HS database. Enter the keyword 'live bluefin tuna' and the system will show 0301.94. You can also verify the protection level in the CITES Appendices based on the Latin scientific name, and then determine the code based on the state (live/fresh/frozen). What is the difference in codes between live bluefin tuna and chilled bluefin tuna? Live is classified under 0301.94, chilled under 0302.35, and frozen under 0303.45. The core difference is the commodity state: live must remain alive, chilled is stored at around 0°C, and frozen is below -18°C. During customs declaration, proof of state must be provided, such as live fish transport records or temperature records. Does bluefin tuna require a CITES permit? Some bluefin tuna populations are listed in CITES Appendix I (such as certain Atlantic bluefin populations) or Appendix II. A CITES permit is required for import and export. The latest CITES Appendices should be consulted, and the local endangered species import and export management office should be consulted. How to fill in the Latin scientific name during declaration? Accurate Latin scientific names must be used, such as Atlantic bluefin as Thunnus thynnus, Pacific bluefin as Thunnus orientalis, and southern bluefin as Thunnus maccoyii. Spelling errors may lead to classification errors or customs clearance delays. Reference can be made to ITIS or FishBase databases. What is the tariff rate for live bluefin tuna? Tariff rates change and the latest Import and Export Tariff should be consulted. Generally, the import tariff for live bluefin tuna is relatively low, but it may be affected by quotas. It is recommended to obtain real-time rates through the General Administration of Customs website or by consulting a customs broker. In addition, value-added tax and consumption tax (if applicable) must also be considered. Are the codes the same for farmed and wild bluefin tuna? The codes are the same, both 0301.94, but the source (wild/farmed) must be indicated during declaration. Farmed bluefin tuna may involve farm registration and official quarantine certificates from the exporting country. Some countries also have additional labeling requirements for farmed products. If live bluefin tuna dies during transport, how should it be declared? If it dies during transport but is not frozen, it should be classified under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish); if frozen, under 0303. The state must be truthfully declared in the customs declaration, and relevant proof (such as death records) must be provided. Incorrect declaration may result in penalties. What is the difference between 0301.94 and 0301.95? 0301.94 covers Atlantic bluefin and Pacific bluefin, while 0301.95 refers specifically to southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). Both are live, but the species are different. Accurate species identification is required during classification to avoid confusion.
Q: How to look up the HS code for live bluefin tuna?
A: You can query through the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or the HS database. Enter the keyword 'live bluefin tuna' and the system will show 0301.94. You can also verify the protection level in the CITES Appendices based on the Latin scientific name, and then determine the code based on the state (live/fresh/frozen).
Q: What is the difference in codes between live bluefin tuna and chilled bluefin tuna?
A: Live is classified under 0301.94, chilled under 0302.35, and frozen under 0303.45. The core difference is the commodity state: live must remain alive, chilled is stored at around 0°C, and frozen is below -18°C. During customs declaration, proof of state must be provided, such as live fish transport records or temperature records.
Q: Does bluefin tuna require a CITES permit?
A: Some bluefin tuna populations are listed in CITES Appendix I (such as certain Atlantic bluefin populations) or Appendix II. A CITES permit is required for import and export. The latest CITES Appendices should be consulted, and the local endangered species import and export management office should be consulted.
Q: How to fill in the Latin scientific name during declaration?
A: Accurate Latin scientific names must be used, such as Atlantic bluefin as Thunnus thynnus, Pacific bluefin as Thunnus orientalis, and southern bluefin as Thunnus maccoyii. Spelling errors may lead to classification errors or customs clearance delays. Reference can be made to ITIS or FishBase databases.
Q: What is the tariff rate for live bluefin tuna?
A: Tariff rates change and the latest Import and Export Tariff should be consulted. Generally, the import tariff for live bluefin tuna is relatively low, but it may be affected by quotas. It is recommended to obtain real-time rates through the General Administration of Customs website or by consulting a customs broker. In addition, value-added tax and consumption tax (if applicable) must also be considered.
Q: Are the codes the same for farmed and wild bluefin tuna?
A: The codes are the same, both 0301.94, but the source (wild/farmed) must be indicated during declaration. Farmed bluefin tuna may involve farm registration and official quarantine certificates from the exporting country. Some countries also have additional labeling requirements for farmed products.
Q: If live bluefin tuna dies during transport, how should it be declared?
A: If it dies during transport but is not frozen, it should be classified under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish); if frozen, under 0303. The state must be truthfully declared in the customs declaration, and relevant proof (such as death records) must be provided. Incorrect declaration may result in penalties.
Q: What is the difference between 0301.94 and 0301.95?
A: 0301.94 covers Atlantic bluefin and Pacific bluefin, while 0301.95 refers specifically to southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). Both are live, but the species are different. Accurate species identification is required during classification to avoid confusion.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.