Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, smoked and other processed states. This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing, and is further subdivided by species, processing method and use, providing a unified classification basis for global aquatic trade. Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish (excluding fillets and fish meat), including whole fish, headed, gutted, cut into pieces, etc. This heading covers frozen products of the vast majority of marine and freshwater fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304), frozen fish livers and roe (0305), etc. 0303 is one of the headings with the largest customs declaration volume in aquatic trade. The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, etc.); the 3rd-4th digits "03" represent heading 0303 (frozen fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304); the 5th-6th digits "43" represent subheading 030343, specifically frozen bonito. Among them, "43" is the specific subheading number for bonito under 0303, distinguished from other frozen fish such as 030341 (frozen longfin tuna), 030342 (frozen yellowfin tuna), etc. This product is frozen bonito, which falls within the scope of frozen fish and has not been smoked, salted or made into fillets or otherwise processed, so it is classified under 0303 rather than 0304 (frozen fish fillets) or 0305 (smoked and salted fish). At the same time, bonito has an independent subheading 030343 under 0303, so it is not classified under other frozen fish subheadings.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, smoked and other processed states. This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing, and is further subdivided by species, processing method and use, providing a unified classification basis for global aquatic trade.
Heading
Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish (excluding fillets and fish meat), including whole fish, headed, gutted, cut into pieces, etc. This heading covers frozen products of the vast majority of marine and freshwater fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304), frozen fish livers and roe (0305), etc. 0303 is one of the headings with the largest customs declaration volume in aquatic trade.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, etc.); the 3rd-4th digits "03" represent heading 0303 (frozen fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304); the 5th-6th digits "43" represent subheading 030343, specifically frozen bonito. Among them, "43" is the specific subheading number for bonito under 0303, distinguished from other frozen fish such as 030341 (frozen longfin tuna), 030342 (frozen yellowfin tuna), etc.
Classification Basis
This product is frozen bonito, which falls within the scope of frozen fish and has not been smoked, salted or made into fillets or otherwise processed, so it is classified under 0303 rather than 0304 (frozen fish fillets) or 0305 (smoked and salted fish). At the same time, bonito has an independent subheading 030343 under 0303, so it is not classified under other frozen fish subheadings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name (Chinese and foreign language): The standard Chinese and English name of the declared commodity, such as "冻鲣鱼" and "Frozen bonito", must be consistent with the contract and invoice. Latin scientific name: The Latin scientific name of bonito, usually Katsuwonus pelamis, helps customs accurately identify the species. Processing method: Clearly state "frozen" and indicate whether headed, gutted, cut into pieces, etc., such as "whole frozen" or "headed and gutted, frozen". State (fresh/chilled/frozen): Indicate "frozen", with the core temperature usually below -18°C, distinguishing it from fresh, chilled, dried, smoked and other states. Specifications (weight/size): Declare the weight per fish or specification per box, such as "500-1000g/piece", to facilitate customs statistics and inspection. Packaging method: Explain inner and outer packaging, such as "10 kg/carton, plastic inner bag", which affects inspection and quarantine and classification. Brand (if any): If it is a pre-packaged branded product, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, indicate "none". Use: Usually "for human consumption"; if used as processing raw material or feed, it must be clearly stated. Product name: Frozen bonito; Latin scientific name: Katsuwonus pelamis; Processing method: headed and gutted, whole frozen; State: frozen, core temperature -18°C; Specifications: 800-1200g/piece; Packaging: 10 kg/carton, lined with plastic bag; Brand: none; Use: for human consumption. Mistakenly classifying frozen bonito under 0304 (frozen fish fillets); if it is actually whole or gutted but not sliced, it should be classified under 0303. Confusing bonito with tuna, leading to incorrect subheadings, such as misreporting as 030341 (longfin tuna). Ignoring the Latin scientific name; customs may require supplementation, affecting customs clearance efficiency.
Product name (Chinese and foreign language)
The standard Chinese and English name of the declared commodity, such as "冻鲣鱼" and "Frozen bonito", must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Misreporting as "frozen tuna" or "frozen mackerel", resulting in classification errors.
Latin scientific name
The Latin scientific name of bonito, usually Katsuwonus pelamis, helps customs accurately identify the species.
⚠️ Ignoring the scientific name or spelling it incorrectly, such as mistakenly writing Sarda sarda.
Processing method
Clearly state "frozen" and indicate whether headed, gutted, cut into pieces, etc., such as "whole frozen" or "headed and gutted, frozen".
⚠️ Writing only "frozen" without specifying the specific form, which may affect subheading determination.
State (fresh/chilled/frozen)
Indicate "frozen", with the core temperature usually below -18°C, distinguishing it from fresh, chilled, dried, smoked and other states.
⚠️ Misreporting frozen as "chilled" or "ice-fresh", resulting in classification under 0302.
Specifications (weight/size)
Declare the weight per fish or specification per box, such as "500-1000g/piece", to facilitate customs statistics and inspection.
⚠️ Vague specification description, such as "various sizes", which may raise questions.
Packaging method
Explain inner and outer packaging, such as "10 kg/carton, plastic inner bag", which affects inspection and quarantine and classification.
⚠️ Omitting packaging information, making it impossible to verify during inspection.
Brand (if any)
If it is a pre-packaged branded product, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, indicate "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or failing to declare truthfully.
Use
Usually "for human consumption"; if used as processing raw material or feed, it must be clearly stated.
⚠️ Misreporting for human consumption as feed, which may lead to differences in regulatory conditions.
Example： Product name: Frozen bonito; Latin scientific name: Katsuwonus pelamis; Processing method: headed and gutted, whole frozen; State: frozen, core temperature -18°C; Specifications: 800-1200g/piece; Packaging: 10 kg/carton, lined with plastic bag; Brand: none; Use: for human consumption.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying frozen bonito under 0304 (frozen fish fillets); if it is actually whole or gutted but not sliced, it should be classified under 0303.
Confusing bonito with tuna, leading to incorrect subheadings, such as misreporting as 030341 (longfin tuna).
Ignoring the Latin scientific name; customs may require supplementation, affecting customs clearance efficiency.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and customs classification rules. First determine whether it belongs to Chapter 03, then confirm whether it is frozen and whether it is whole fish or simply processed. 0303 covers frozen fish (excluding fillets and fish meat), and 030343 specifically refers to frozen bonito. Key points: 1) The species is bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis); 2) The state is frozen; 3) It has not been smoked, salted, made into fillets or otherwise processed. If it is frozen fish fillets, it should be classified under 0304; if smoked, under 0305. 030341 Frozen longfin tuna: Different species: 030341 is longfin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), 030343 is bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis). They must be distinguished by Latin scientific name and appearance. 030342 Frozen yellowfin tuna: 030342 is yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), which is in the same family but a different genus from bonito, with a different subheading. The species must be accurately identified during classification. 030344 Frozen bigeye tuna: 030344 is bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), which is similar in appearance to bonito but has a different scientific name. Misreporting will lead to classification errors. 030349 Other frozen tuna: 030349 covers other tuna not elsewhere specified. If bonito is misreported as tuna, it may be incorrectly classified under this subheading. Classification must strictly follow the species. 030489 Other frozen fish fillets: 030489 is frozen fish fillets. If bonito is sliced, it should be classified under 0304 rather than 0303. The core difference lies in the processing form. Confirm the product is bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis), not other tuna. Confirm the state is frozen, not fresh, chilled, dried or smoked. Confirm it has not been processed into fillets, surimi, etc., and remains whole fish or simply gutted. Check that the Latin scientific name is consistent with the declaration elements. Check whether packaging and use affect classification.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and customs classification rules. First determine whether it belongs to Chapter 03, then confirm whether it is frozen and whether it is whole fish or simply processed. 0303 covers frozen fish (excluding fillets and fish meat), and 030343 specifically refers to frozen bonito. Key points: 1) The species is bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis); 2) The state is frozen; 3) It has not been smoked, salted, made into fillets or otherwise processed. If it is frozen fish fillets, it should be classified under 0304; if smoked, under 0305.
Confused Codes：
030341 - Frozen longfin tuna
Different species: 030341 is longfin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), 030343 is bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis). They must be distinguished by Latin scientific name and appearance.
030342 - Frozen yellowfin tuna
030342 is yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), which is in the same family but a different genus from bonito, with a different subheading. The species must be accurately identified during classification.
030344 - Frozen bigeye tuna
030344 is bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), which is similar in appearance to bonito but has a different scientific name. Misreporting will lead to classification errors.
030349 - Other frozen tuna
030349 covers other tuna not elsewhere specified. If bonito is misreported as tuna, it may be incorrectly classified under this subheading. Classification must strictly follow the species.
030489 - Other frozen fish fillets
030489 is frozen fish fillets. If bonito is sliced, it should be classified under 0304 rather than 0303. The core difference lies in the processing form.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the product is bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis), not other tuna.
✓ Confirm the state is frozen, not fresh, chilled, dried or smoked.
✓ Confirm it has not been processed into fillets, surimi, etc., and remains whole fish or simply gutted.
✓ Check that the Latin scientific name is consistent with the declaration elements.
✓ Check whether packaging and use affect classification.
❓ FAQ
How are frozen bonito and frozen tuna distinguished in HS codes? Frozen bonito is classified under 030343, while frozen tuna is classified under 030341 (longfin), 030342 (yellowfin), 030344 (bigeye), etc., depending on the species. The key to distinction is the Latin scientific name: bonito is Katsuwonus pelamis, tuna is the genus Thunnus. Accurate scientific names must be provided during customs declaration to avoid confusion. If frozen bonito is headed and gutted, is it still classified under 030343? Yes. 0303 covers frozen fish, including whole fish, headed, gutted, cut into pieces and other simple processing, as long as it has not been made into fillets, surimi, etc., it is still classified under 030343. However, if sliced, it is classified under 0304. How can I check the regulatory conditions and tax rates for 030343? They can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Regulatory conditions may include inspection and quarantine, origin, etc.; tax rates vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin, and must be checked according to specific circumstances. Is the Latin scientific name required during declaration? It is recommended to provide it. The Latin scientific name is key to species identification, especially for easily confused species such as bonito and tuna. If not provided, customs may require supplementation, affecting customs clearance speed. If frozen bonito is used for feed, is the HS code different? It is still classified under 030343, but the use must be declared as "feed". HS codes are mainly based on species and processing state; use does not affect the subheading, but may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates. What is the difference between 030343 and 030349? 030343 specifically refers to frozen bonito, and 030349 is other frozen tuna (not elsewhere specified). If bonito is mistakenly reported as tuna, it may be incorrectly classified under 030349. Always confirm the species during classification. What accompanying documents are required for importing frozen bonito? Usually contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, inspection and quarantine certificates, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to consult a customs broker or customs in advance. What is the difference in HS codes between frozen bonito and smoked bonito? Frozen bonito is classified under 030343, and smoked bonito under 0305 (smoked fish). If smoked and then frozen, it is still classified under 0305. The core difference lies in the processing method: frozen vs smoked.
Q: How are frozen bonito and frozen tuna distinguished in HS codes?
A: Frozen bonito is classified under 030343, while frozen tuna is classified under 030341 (longfin), 030342 (yellowfin), 030344 (bigeye), etc., depending on the species. The key to distinction is the Latin scientific name: bonito is Katsuwonus pelamis, tuna is the genus Thunnus. Accurate scientific names must be provided during customs declaration to avoid confusion.
Q: If frozen bonito is headed and gutted, is it still classified under 030343?
A: Yes. 0303 covers frozen fish, including whole fish, headed, gutted, cut into pieces and other simple processing, as long as it has not been made into fillets, surimi, etc., it is still classified under 030343. However, if sliced, it is classified under 0304.
Q: How can I check the regulatory conditions and tax rates for 030343?
A: They can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Regulatory conditions may include inspection and quarantine, origin, etc.; tax rates vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin, and must be checked according to specific circumstances.
Q: Is the Latin scientific name required during declaration?
A: It is recommended to provide it. The Latin scientific name is key to species identification, especially for easily confused species such as bonito and tuna. If not provided, customs may require supplementation, affecting customs clearance speed.
Q: If frozen bonito is used for feed, is the HS code different?
A: It is still classified under 030343, but the use must be declared as "feed". HS codes are mainly based on species and processing state; use does not affect the subheading, but may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates.
Q: What is the difference between 030343 and 030349?
A: 030343 specifically refers to frozen bonito, and 030349 is other frozen tuna (not elsewhere specified). If bonito is mistakenly reported as tuna, it may be incorrectly classified under 030349. Always confirm the species during classification.
Q: What accompanying documents are required for importing frozen bonito?
A: Usually contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, inspection and quarantine certificates, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to consult a customs broker or customs in advance.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between frozen bonito and smoked bonito?
A: Frozen bonito is classified under 030343, and smoked bonito under 0305 (smoked fish). If smoked and then frozen, it is still classified under 0305. The core difference lies in the processing method: frozen vs smoked.
⚠️ 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.