Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted and other preservation methods. This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, products are subdivided by species and processing state. Frozen fish are mainly concentrated under heading 0303, while fresh or chilled fish are under 0302, dried, smoked or salted fish under 0305, and further processed products under 1604. Heading 0303 refers specifically to frozen fish (whole or headless, gutted, sliced, etc.), but excludes fish fillets, fish meat and other fish meat products (the latter are classified under 0304). This heading covers both marine and freshwater fish, including salmon, tuna, cod, tilapia, etc. Frozen means the core temperature is below -18°C to maintain quality. Under 0303, products are subdivided by fish species; tuna species mainly involve subheading 0303.4. First 2 digits 03: belongs to Chapter 03 'Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'. Digits 3-4 03: heading 0303 'Frozen fish', distinguished from 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0304 fish fillets, and 0305 dried, smoked or salted fish. Digits 5-6 42: subheading 030342, specifically 'Frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)', subdivided by species under 0303.4 (frozen tuna), where yellowfin tuna corresponds to 42, while other tuna such as albacore corresponds to 41, bigeye tuna to 43, bluefin tuna to 44, etc. The product is frozen yellowfin tuna that has not undergone further processing (such as slicing, seasoning or cooking), and the preservation method is freezing, so it is classified under 0303. If it were fresh or chilled, it would be classified under 0302; if it were fillets, under 0304; if dried, smoked or salted, under 0305; if canned or seasoned products, under 1604. Yellowfin tuna is species-specific, and species must be distinguished under 0303.4, so it is classified under 030342.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted and other preservation methods. This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, products are subdivided by species and processing state. Frozen fish are mainly concentrated under heading 0303, while fresh or chilled fish are under 0302, dried, smoked or salted fish under 0305, and further processed products under 1604.
Heading
Heading 0303 refers specifically to frozen fish (whole or headless, gutted, sliced, etc.), but excludes fish fillets, fish meat and other fish meat products (the latter are classified under 0304). This heading covers both marine and freshwater fish, including salmon, tuna, cod, tilapia, etc. Frozen means the core temperature is below -18°C to maintain quality. Under 0303, products are subdivided by fish species; tuna species mainly involve subheading 0303.4.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 03: belongs to Chapter 03 'Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'. Digits 3-4 03: heading 0303 'Frozen fish', distinguished from 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0304 fish fillets, and 0305 dried, smoked or salted fish. Digits 5-6 42: subheading 030342, specifically 'Frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)', subdivided by species under 0303.4 (frozen tuna), where yellowfin tuna corresponds to 42, while other tuna such as albacore corresponds to 41, bigeye tuna to 43, bluefin tuna to 44, etc.
Classification Basis
The product is frozen yellowfin tuna that has not undergone further processing (such as slicing, seasoning or cooking), and the preservation method is freezing, so it is classified under 0303. If it were fresh or chilled, it would be classified under 0302; if it were fillets, under 0304; if dried, smoked or salted, under 0305; if canned or seasoned products, under 1604. Yellowfin tuna is species-specific, and species must be distinguished under 0303.4, so it is classified under 030342.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Fill in the Chinese and foreign names of the commodity, and it should be specific to the species, such as 'Frozen yellowfin tuna'. Avoid general names such as 'frozen fish'. Latin scientific name: Fill in the Latin scientific name of the species; yellowfin tuna is Thunnus albacares. This helps customs classify accurately. Processing method: State the frozen state, such as 'frozen whole', 'frozen headless and gutted', 'frozen', etc., and make clear that it has not been further processed. State: Describe the physical state, such as 'whole', 'headless and gutted', 'skin-on', 'skinless', etc., which affects subheading subdivision. Specification: Fill in individual weight or size, such as '5-10 kg each', for statistics and quarantine. Packaging method: State the packaging type, such as 'carton-packed', 'vacuum-packed', which affects transportation and storage. Wild-caught or farmed: Indicate whether the source is wild-caught or farmed; some countries have quotas or bans. Product name: Frozen yellowfin tuna; Latin scientific name: Thunnus albacares; Processing method: headless and gutted, frozen whole; State: skin-on, gutted; Specification: 8-12 kg each; Packaging method: carton-packed, 2 pieces per carton; Fishing method: wild-caught, longline; Country of origin: Indonesia; Production date: March 2025; Shelf life: 24 months. Confusing frozen with fresh or chilled, incorrectly classifying fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna under 030342, when it should actually be classified under 030234. Failure to distinguish yellowfin tuna from other tuna, such as bigeye tuna, which should be classified under 030343, and bluefin tuna under 030344. Incorrectly classifying frozen tuna fillets under 030342, when they should actually be classified under 030487 (frozen fish fillets).
Product name
Fill in the Chinese and foreign names of the commodity, and it should be specific to the species, such as 'Frozen yellowfin tuna'. Avoid general names such as 'frozen fish'.
⚠️ Writing only 'frozen tuna' without specifying yellowfin, leading to classification disputes.
Latin scientific name
Fill in the Latin scientific name of the species; yellowfin tuna is Thunnus albacares. This helps customs classify accurately.
⚠️ Spelling errors or using common names instead of scientific names.
Processing method
State the frozen state, such as 'frozen whole', 'frozen headless and gutted', 'frozen', etc., and make clear that it has not been further processed.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in 'sliced' or 'seasoned', leading to classification under 0304 or 1604.
State
Describe the physical state, such as 'whole', 'headless and gutted', 'skin-on', 'skinless', etc., which affects subheading subdivision.
⚠️ Failure to indicate whether headless and gutted, which may affect classification.
Specification
Fill in individual weight or size, such as '5-10 kg each', for statistics and quarantine.
⚠️ Incorrect units or excessively broad ranges.
Packaging method
State the packaging type, such as 'carton-packed', 'vacuum-packed', which affects transportation and storage.
Indicate whether the source is wild-caught or farmed; some countries have quotas or bans.
⚠️ Failure to provide proof of origin, affecting customs clearance.
Example： Product name: Frozen yellowfin tuna; Latin scientific name: Thunnus albacares; Processing method: headless and gutted, frozen whole; State: skin-on, gutted; Specification: 8-12 kg each; Packaging method: carton-packed, 2 pieces per carton; Fishing method: wild-caught, longline; Country of origin: Indonesia; Production date: March 2025; Shelf life: 24 months.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing frozen with fresh or chilled, incorrectly classifying fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna under 030342, when it should actually be classified under 030234.
Failure to distinguish yellowfin tuna from other tuna, such as bigeye tuna, which should be classified under 030343, and bluefin tuna under 030344.
Incorrectly classifying frozen tuna fillets under 030342, when they should actually be classified under 030487 (frozen fish fillets).
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized System (HS) and the Import and Export Tariff. First, determine that the product is fish, belonging to Chapter 03; second, the preservation method is frozen, classified under 0303; then, based on the species being yellowfin tuna, classify under 030342 within 0303.4. A comprehensive determination must be made based on elements such as product name, Latin scientific name, processing state and preservation method. 030234 Fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna: Different preservation method: 030234 is fresh or chilled, 030342 is frozen. The core difference lies in temperature treatment; fresh or chilled products have a core temperature close to 0°C, while frozen products are below -18°C. 030343 Frozen bigeye tuna: Different species: 030343 is bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), 030342 is yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). They must be distinguished by Latin scientific name. 030487 Frozen tuna fillets: Different processing state: 030487 is fillets (sliced), 030342 is whole or headless and gutted fish. If cut into fillets, it is classified under 030487. 160414 Canned tuna: Different further processing: 160414 is tuna products that have been cooked, seasoned and canned, while 030342 is only a frozen primary product. Confirm that the product is frozen, not fresh or chilled or dried or smoked. Confirm that the species is yellowfin tuna, not other tuna. Confirm that it is not sliced, seasoned or cooked. Check the Latin scientific name Thunnus albacares. Check whether it is headless and gutted; this does not affect the subheading but affects declaration.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized System (HS) and the Import and Export Tariff. First, determine that the product is fish, belonging to Chapter 03; second, the preservation method is frozen, classified under 0303; then, based on the species being yellowfin tuna, classify under 030342 within 0303.4. A comprehensive determination must be made based on elements such as product name, Latin scientific name, processing state and preservation method.
Confused Codes：
030234 - Fresh or chilled yellowfin tuna
Different preservation method: 030234 is fresh or chilled, 030342 is frozen. The core difference lies in temperature treatment; fresh or chilled products have a core temperature close to 0°C, while frozen products are below -18°C.
030343 - Frozen bigeye tuna
Different species: 030343 is bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), 030342 is yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). They must be distinguished by Latin scientific name.
030487 - Frozen tuna fillets
Different processing state: 030487 is fillets (sliced), 030342 is whole or headless and gutted fish. If cut into fillets, it is classified under 030487.
160414 - Canned tuna
Different further processing: 160414 is tuna products that have been cooked, seasoned and canned, while 030342 is only a frozen primary product.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the product is frozen, not fresh or chilled or dried or smoked.
✓ Confirm that the species is yellowfin tuna, not other tuna.
✓ Confirm that it is not sliced, seasoned or cooked.
✓ Check the Latin scientific name Thunnus albacares.
✓ Check whether it is headless and gutted; this does not affect the subheading but affects declaration.
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 030342? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP and the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement), and the country of origin and destination country must be entered. It is recommended to use official databases and pay attention to annual tariff adjustments. How are frozen yellowfin tuna and frozen bigeye tuna distinguished during customs declaration? This is mainly based on the Latin scientific name and appearance. Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) has yellow second dorsal and anal fins, while bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) has larger eyes. When declaring, proof of the scientific name, such as a fishing certificate or certificate of origin, must be provided to avoid classification errors. If frozen yellowfin tuna is headless and gutted, will the code change? No. 030342 covers whole, headless and gutted, and gutted primary processing. As long as it is not sliced or seasoned, it is still classified under 030342. However, if cut into fillets, it is classified under 030487. What declaration elements are required for cross-border e-commerce sales of frozen yellowfin tuna? Product name, Latin scientific name, processing method, state, specification, packaging, fishing method, etc. are required. Cross-border e-commerce also needs to pay attention to quarantine approval, certificate of origin, health certificate, etc., to ensure compliance with the requirements of the importing country. What is the difference between 030342 and 030341? 030341 is frozen albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), and 030342 is frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). The difference lies in the species; albacore tuna has very long pectoral fins, while yellowfin tuna has yellow fins. What are the consequences of incorrectly classifying frozen yellowfin tuna under 030234? It may lead to differences in tariff rates, non-compliance with regulatory conditions, and inaccurate declaration. Customs may require supplementary duties, impose fines, or even affect the enterprise's credit. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification. How can one determine whether frozen yellowfin tuna belongs under 030342? Key points: 1) the preservation method is frozen; 2) the species is yellowfin tuna; 3) it has not been further processed. Reference may be made to customs advance classification decisions or consultation with professional customs brokers.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 030342?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP and the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement), and the country of origin and destination country must be entered. It is recommended to use official databases and pay attention to annual tariff adjustments.
Q: How are frozen yellowfin tuna and frozen bigeye tuna distinguished during customs declaration?
A: This is mainly based on the Latin scientific name and appearance. Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) has yellow second dorsal and anal fins, while bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) has larger eyes. When declaring, proof of the scientific name, such as a fishing certificate or certificate of origin, must be provided to avoid classification errors.
Q: If frozen yellowfin tuna is headless and gutted, will the code change?
A: No. 030342 covers whole, headless and gutted, and gutted primary processing. As long as it is not sliced or seasoned, it is still classified under 030342. However, if cut into fillets, it is classified under 030487.
Q: What declaration elements are required for cross-border e-commerce sales of frozen yellowfin tuna?
A: Product name, Latin scientific name, processing method, state, specification, packaging, fishing method, etc. are required. Cross-border e-commerce also needs to pay attention to quarantine approval, certificate of origin, health certificate, etc., to ensure compliance with the requirements of the importing country.
Q: What is the difference between 030342 and 030341?
A: 030341 is frozen albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), and 030342 is frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). The difference lies in the species; albacore tuna has very long pectoral fins, while yellowfin tuna has yellow fins.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrectly classifying frozen yellowfin tuna under 030234?
A: It may lead to differences in tariff rates, non-compliance with regulatory conditions, and inaccurate declaration. Customs may require supplementary duties, impose fines, or even affect the enterprise's credit. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
Q: How can one determine whether frozen yellowfin tuna belongs under 030342?
A: Key points: 1) the preservation method is frozen; 2) the species is yellowfin tuna; 3) it has not been further processed. Reference may be made to customs advance classification decisions or consultation with professional customs brokers.
⚠️ 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.