Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and prepared products. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving fishing, farming, processing and other stages. Customs classification requires focusing on species, processing status, preservation method and other elements, while also complying with regulations on endangered species, food safety, etc. Heading 0303 covers frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), including whole fish, headless and gutted fish, fish pieces, etc. Fish under this heading must be frozen to maintain their original state. Freezing methods include conventional freezing, quick freezing, etc., but do not include products that have undergone further processing (such as seasoning or breading). This heading is one of the important headings in aquatic product trade, involving tuna, cod, salmon and many other species. The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3, namely fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0303, namely frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat). Digits 5-6 "41" represent subheading 030341, specifically frozen albacore tuna (scientific name Thunnus alalunga). Therefore, 030341 fully indicates frozen albacore tuna, including whole, headless and gutted, and other forms not further processed. This commodity is frozen albacore tuna, which belongs to frozen fish, and the species is albacore tuna, so it is classified under 030341. If it were fresh or chilled albacore tuna, it should be classified under 0302; if it were fillets or other fish meat, it should be classified under 0304; if it were smoked, dried or salted, it would be classified under 0305. Therefore, the frozen state and whole-fish form are the key to classification under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and prepared products. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving fishing, farming, processing and other stages. Customs classification requires focusing on species, processing status, preservation method and other elements, while also complying with regulations on endangered species, food safety, etc.
Heading
Heading 0303 covers frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), including whole fish, headless and gutted fish, fish pieces, etc. Fish under this heading must be frozen to maintain their original state. Freezing methods include conventional freezing, quick freezing, etc., but do not include products that have undergone further processing (such as seasoning or breading). This heading is one of the important headings in aquatic product trade, involving tuna, cod, salmon and many other species.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3, namely fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0303, namely frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat). Digits 5-6 "41" represent subheading 030341, specifically frozen albacore tuna (scientific name Thunnus alalunga). Therefore, 030341 fully indicates frozen albacore tuna, including whole, headless and gutted, and other forms not further processed.
Classification Basis
This commodity is frozen albacore tuna, which belongs to frozen fish, and the species is albacore tuna, so it is classified under 030341. If it were fresh or chilled albacore tuna, it should be classified under 0302; if it were fillets or other fish meat, it should be classified under 0304; if it were smoked, dried or salted, it would be classified under 0305. Therefore, the frozen state and whole-fish form are the key to classification under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Fill in the Chinese and foreign names of the commodity, and specify the species, such as "frozen albacore tuna". Latin scientific name: Fill in the Latin scientific name of the species, such as Thunnus alalunga, for accurate species identification. Processing method: Explain the freezing method, such as "conventional freezing", "quick freezing", etc., and whether it is headless, gutted, etc. State: Describe the state of the commodity, such as "whole", "headless and gutted", "fish pieces", etc. Specification: Fill in the weight or size range of each fish, such as "10-20 kg/fish". Packaging method: Explain the packaging type, such as "carton packing", "woven bag packing", etc. Brand: If there is a brand, fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Production date: Fill in the production or fishing date in year-month-day format. Product name: frozen albacore tuna; Latin scientific name: Thunnus alalunga; Processing method: quick frozen, headless and gutted; State: whole; Specification: 15-25 kg/fish; Packaging method: carton packing, 2 fish per carton; Brand: none; Production date: 2025-01-15. Mistakenly classifying frozen albacore tuna under 0302 (fresh or chilled), ignoring the frozen state. Mistakenly classifying headless and gutted whole fish under 0304 (fish fillets), when it is actually still whole fish. Failure to declare the Latin scientific name, leading to disputes over species identification and affecting classification.
Product name
Fill in the Chinese and foreign names of the commodity, and specify the species, such as "frozen albacore tuna".
⚠️ Only filling in "frozen fish" or "tuna" without specifying the exact species.
Latin scientific name
Fill in the Latin scientific name of the species, such as Thunnus alalunga, for accurate species identification.
⚠️ Spelling errors or using common names instead of scientific names.
Processing method
Explain the freezing method, such as "conventional freezing", "quick freezing", etc., and whether it is headless, gutted, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the freezing method or incorrectly declaring it as "fresh" or "chilled".
State
Describe the state of the commodity, such as "whole", "headless and gutted", "fish pieces", etc.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring fillets as whole fish, resulting in classification errors.
Specification
Fill in the weight or size range of each fish, such as "10-20 kg/fish".
⚠️ Unclear specification description, affecting customs valuation and statistics.
Packaging method
Explain the packaging type, such as "carton packing", "woven bag packing", etc.
⚠️ Packaging method inconsistent with the actual situation, affecting inspection.
Brand
If there is a brand, fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, leading to intellectual property issues.
Production date
Fill in the production or fishing date in year-month-day format.
⚠️ Incorrect date format or failure to fill it in.
Example： Product name: frozen albacore tuna; Latin scientific name: Thunnus alalunga; Processing method: quick frozen, headless and gutted; State: whole; Specification: 15-25 kg/fish; Packaging method: carton packing, 2 fish per carton; Brand: none; Production date: 2025-01-15.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying frozen albacore tuna under 0302 (fresh or chilled), ignoring the frozen state.
Mistakenly classifying headless and gutted whole fish under 0304 (fish fillets), when it is actually still whole fish.
Failure to declare the Latin scientific name, leading to disputes over species identification and affecting classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. First, the commodity must belong to Chapter 3 aquatic products. Second, heading 0303 requires frozen fish that has not undergone further processing. Finally, subheading 030341 specifically refers to albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga). Therefore, only frozen, unprocessed albacore tuna is classified under this code. If processed into fillets, pieces, or smoked, etc., it is classified under other codes. 030231 Fresh or chilled albacore tuna: 030231 is fresh or chilled, while 030341 is frozen. The core difference lies in the preservation method: fresh or chilled has not been frozen, while frozen has undergone freezing treatment. 030487 Frozen albacore tuna fillets: 030487 is fillets, that is, processed by slicing, while 030341 is whole fish or headless and gutted whole fish. The core difference is whether it has been sliced. 030549 Smoked albacore tuna: 030549 is smoked processing, while 030341 is frozen and unprocessed. The core difference is the processing method: smoking changes the product characteristics. 030341 Frozen albacore tuna: This code itself, but attention must be paid to distinguishing it from other tuna subheadings, such as 030342 (yellowfin tuna), 030343 (skipjack tuna), etc. 030354 Frozen mackerel: 030354 is mackerel, while 030341 is albacore tuna. The core difference is the different species, which must be accurately identified by Latin scientific name. Confirm that the commodity state is frozen, not fresh, chilled, dried, smoked or salted. Confirm that the commodity is whole fish or headless and gutted, not sliced or further processed. Confirm that the species is albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga). Check that the Latin scientific name is spelled correctly to avoid confusion with similar species. Check whether the packaging and labels meet the requirements of the importing country.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. First, the commodity must belong to Chapter 3 aquatic products. Second, heading 0303 requires frozen fish that has not undergone further processing. Finally, subheading 030341 specifically refers to albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga). Therefore, only frozen, unprocessed albacore tuna is classified under this code. If processed into fillets, pieces, or smoked, etc., it is classified under other codes.
Confused Codes：
030231 - Fresh or chilled albacore tuna
030231 is fresh or chilled, while 030341 is frozen. The core difference lies in the preservation method: fresh or chilled has not been frozen, while frozen has undergone freezing treatment.
030487 - Frozen albacore tuna fillets
030487 is fillets, that is, processed by slicing, while 030341 is whole fish or headless and gutted whole fish. The core difference is whether it has been sliced.
030549 - Smoked albacore tuna
030549 is smoked processing, while 030341 is frozen and unprocessed. The core difference is the processing method: smoking changes the product characteristics.
030341 - Frozen albacore tuna
This code itself, but attention must be paid to distinguishing it from other tuna subheadings, such as 030342 (yellowfin tuna), 030343 (skipjack tuna), etc.
030354 - Frozen mackerel
030354 is mackerel, while 030341 is albacore tuna. The core difference is the different species, which must be accurately identified by Latin scientific name.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the commodity state is frozen, not fresh, chilled, dried, smoked or salted.
✓ Confirm that the commodity is whole fish or headless and gutted, not sliced or further processed.
✓ Confirm that the species is albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga).
✓ Check that the Latin scientific name is spelled correctly to avoid confusion with similar species.
✓ Check whether the packaging and labels meet the requirements of the importing country.
❓ FAQ
How can I query the HS code for frozen albacore tuna? You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, an HS code query platform, or consult a professional customs broker. Enter the keyword "frozen albacore tuna" or the Latin scientific name, and the system will display 030341. At the same time, confirm that the commodity state conforms to the heading description. What is the difference between 030341 and 030231? 030341 is frozen albacore tuna, and 030231 is fresh or chilled albacore tuna. The main difference lies in the preservation method: frozen has undergone freezing, while fresh or chilled has not. When classifying, choose according to the actual state. If frozen albacore tuna is headless and gutted, will the code change? No. Headless and gutted whole fish still belongs to 030341. Only when cut into fillets or pieces is it classified under 0304. Therefore, simple processing does not change the classification. Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring? Yes. The Latin scientific name is key to accurately identifying the species, especially for easily confused species such as tuna. When declaring, Thunnus alalunga must be provided to avoid classification disputes. If frozen albacore tuna is smoked, what is the code? Smoked albacore tuna should be classified under 0305, and the specific subheading must be determined according to the smoking method. Smoking after freezing does not belong to 030341 because the processing method has changed. How can I query the tariff rate for 030341? Tariff rates may change. You can obtain the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, a tariff query platform, or by consulting a customs broker. At the same time, preferential rates under free trade agreements, etc., must also be considered. What regulatory documents are required to import frozen albacore tuna? Usually, an inspection and quarantine certificate for inbound goods, certificate of origin, sanitary certificate, etc. are required. The specifics must be determined according to customs and importing country requirements, and it is recommended to consult in advance. How can I avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors? It is recommended to prepare complete declaration elements in advance, including Latin scientific name, processing method, state, etc., and consult a professional customs broker or customs pre-classification. Ensure that documents and goods match to reduce inspection risks.
Q: How can I query the HS code for frozen albacore tuna?
A: You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, an HS code query platform, or consult a professional customs broker. Enter the keyword "frozen albacore tuna" or the Latin scientific name, and the system will display 030341. At the same time, confirm that the commodity state conforms to the heading description.
Q: What is the difference between 030341 and 030231?
A: 030341 is frozen albacore tuna, and 030231 is fresh or chilled albacore tuna. The main difference lies in the preservation method: frozen has undergone freezing, while fresh or chilled has not. When classifying, choose according to the actual state.
Q: If frozen albacore tuna is headless and gutted, will the code change?
A: No. Headless and gutted whole fish still belongs to 030341. Only when cut into fillets or pieces is it classified under 0304. Therefore, simple processing does not change the classification.
Q: Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring?
A: Yes. The Latin scientific name is key to accurately identifying the species, especially for easily confused species such as tuna. When declaring, Thunnus alalunga must be provided to avoid classification disputes.
Q: If frozen albacore tuna is smoked, what is the code?
A: Smoked albacore tuna should be classified under 0305, and the specific subheading must be determined according to the smoking method. Smoking after freezing does not belong to 030341 because the processing method has changed.
Q: How can I query the tariff rate for 030341?
A: Tariff rates may change. You can obtain the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, a tariff query platform, or by consulting a customs broker. At the same time, preferential rates under free trade agreements, etc., must also be considered.
Q: What regulatory documents are required to import frozen albacore tuna?
A: Usually, an inspection and quarantine certificate for inbound goods, certificate of origin, sanitary certificate, etc. are required. The specifics must be determined according to customs and importing country requirements, and it is recommended to consult in advance.
Q: How can I avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors?
A: It is recommended to prepare complete declaration elements in advance, including Latin scientific name, processing method, state, etc., and consult a professional customs broker or customs pre-classification. Ensure that documents and goods match to reduce inspection risks.
⚠️ 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.