Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and smoked products of various types, but excluding prepared or canned foods (classified under Chapter 16). This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Heading 0303 specifically refers to frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), i.e., whole fish or fish simply processed by heading, gutting, etc. This heading is subdivided by species, covering major commercial fish such as tuna, salmon and cod, but excluding frozen fish fillets (0304) and frozen fish meat (0304). Code 030344 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 03 (fish and aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0303 (frozen fish, excluding fillets); digits 5-6 "44" represent subheading 030344, specifically frozen bigeye tuna (Bigeye tuna, Thunnus obesus). Among these, "44" is the unique code assigned by the HS system to this particular species of the genus Thunnus, distinguishing it from other tunas (such as 030341 yellowfin tuna, 030342 skipjack tuna, etc.). The goods are frozen bigeye tuna, scientific name Thunnus obesus, which meets the definition of heading 0303 "frozen fish," and subheading 030344 explicitly lists bigeye tuna. It is not classified under 0304 (frozen fish fillets) because the goods are whole or simply processed; not under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish) because the state is frozen; and not under 0305 (dried, salted or smoked) because the processing method does not conform.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and smoked products of various types, but excluding prepared or canned foods (classified under Chapter 16). This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing.
Heading
Heading 0303 specifically refers to frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), i.e., whole fish or fish simply processed by heading, gutting, etc. This heading is subdivided by species, covering major commercial fish such as tuna, salmon and cod, but excluding frozen fish fillets (0304) and frozen fish meat (0304).
Digit Breakdown
Code 030344 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 03 (fish and aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0303 (frozen fish, excluding fillets); digits 5-6 "44" represent subheading 030344, specifically frozen bigeye tuna (Bigeye tuna, Thunnus obesus). Among these, "44" is the unique code assigned by the HS system to this particular species of the genus Thunnus, distinguishing it from other tunas (such as 030341 yellowfin tuna, 030342 skipjack tuna, etc.).
Classification Basis
The goods are frozen bigeye tuna, scientific name Thunnus obesus, which meets the definition of heading 0303 "frozen fish," and subheading 030344 explicitly lists bigeye tuna. It is not classified under 0304 (frozen fish fillets) because the goods are whole or simply processed; not under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish) because the state is frozen; and not under 0305 (dried, salted or smoked) because the processing method does not conform.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, using the standardized scientific name or common name, such as "frozen bigeye tuna" or "Frozen bigeye tuna." Latin scientific name: Fill in the Latin scientific name of the species; bigeye tuna is Thunnus obesus, used for customs species verification and endangered species management. Method of production or preservation: Explain the freezing method, such as "frozen whole," "frozen headed and gutted," "block frozen," etc., which must be consistent with the requirements of heading 0303. State: Clearly state frozen, and may supplement the core temperature (e.g., below -18°C), to distinguish from fresh, chilled, dried, smoked and other states. Specification: Declare the weight or size range per fish, such as "10-20kg/fish," affecting tariffs and trade statistics. Packaging specification: Explain the inner and outer packaging methods, such as "20kg/carton, foam box with ice," to facilitate customs inspection. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none." Production date: Declare the fishing or processing date in year-month-day format, used for food safety traceability. Product name: Frozen bigeye tuna; Latin scientific name: Thunnus obesus; Method of production or preservation: Headed and gutted, frozen whole, core temperature -18°C; State: Frozen; Specification: 15-25kg/fish; Packaging specification: 20kg/carton, foam box with ice; Brand: None; Production date: 2025-01-15. Mistakenly classifying frozen bigeye tuna fillets under 0304; actually 0304 is fish fillets, while 0303 is whole or simply processed fish. Failing to declare the Latin scientific name, preventing customs from verifying the species, which may involve endangered species management. Confusing frozen with ice-chilled; ice-chilled should be classified under 0302, frozen under 0303, and temperature state is key.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, using the standardized scientific name or common name, such as "frozen bigeye tuna" or "Frozen bigeye tuna."
⚠️ Writing only "tuna" without specifying the bigeye species, or mistakenly writing "tunny fish," causing classification ambiguity.
Latin scientific name
Fill in the Latin scientific name of the species; bigeye tuna is Thunnus obesus, used for customs species verification and endangered species management.
⚠️ Spelling errors such as writing Thunnus obesus incorrectly as Thunnus obessus, or omitting the genus name.
Method of production or preservation
Explain the freezing method, such as "frozen whole," "frozen headed and gutted," "block frozen," etc., which must be consistent with the requirements of heading 0303.
⚠️ Filling in "fresh or chilled" or "dried," causing classification errors, or failing to indicate whether gutted.
State
Clearly state frozen, and may supplement the core temperature (e.g., below -18°C), to distinguish from fresh, chilled, dried, smoked and other states.
⚠️ Writing only "frozen" but actually being superchilled or ice-chilled, causing classification disputes.
Specification
Declare the weight or size range per fish, such as "10-20kg/fish," affecting tariffs and trade statistics.
⚠️ Failing to provide specifications or using vague descriptions such as "mixed large, medium and small."
Packaging specification
Explain the inner and outer packaging methods, such as "20kg/carton, foam box with ice," to facilitate customs inspection.
⚠️ Filling in "bulk" but actually having fixed-quantity packaging, resulting in false declaration.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration, or mistakenly using the vessel name as the brand.
Production date
Declare the fishing or processing date in year-month-day format, used for food safety traceability.
⚠️ Filling in only the year or month, which is incomplete.
Example： Product name: Frozen bigeye tuna; Latin scientific name: Thunnus obesus; Method of production or preservation: Headed and gutted, frozen whole, core temperature -18°C; State: Frozen; Specification: 15-25kg/fish; Packaging specification: 20kg/carton, foam box with ice; Brand: None; Production date: 2025-01-15.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying frozen bigeye tuna fillets under 0304; actually 0304 is fish fillets, while 0303 is whole or simply processed fish.
Failing to declare the Latin scientific name, preventing customs from verifying the species, which may involve endangered species management.
Confusing frozen with ice-chilled; ice-chilled should be classified under 0302, frozen under 0303, and temperature state is key.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and HS Notes: heading 0303 covers frozen fish (excluding fillets), and subheading 030344 explicitly lists bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the goods are whole or simply processed by heading, gutting, etc., not further processed into fillets or fish meat, and that the preservation state is frozen (core temperature usually below -18°C). At the same time, the Latin scientific name must be verified to avoid confusion with other tunas. 030341 Frozen yellowfin tuna: Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna are different species; 030341 is the exclusive subheading for yellowfin tuna. The two differ in morphology, fin color and distribution, and classification must be based on the Latin scientific name. 030342 Frozen skipjack tuna: Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) belongs to the genus Katsuwonus, not Thunnus, is smaller in size and has different texture. 030342 is the skipjack subheading and must not be used interchangeably with 030344. 030343 Frozen bluefin tuna: Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is another species with high economic value. 030343 is its subheading, and it differs from bigeye tuna in body size, fin length and meat quality. 030349 Other frozen tunas: 030349 is for species of the genus Thunnus not elsewhere specified, such as albacore tuna. Bigeye tuna already has the exclusive subheading 030344, so it is not classified here. 030487 Frozen tuna fillets: 030487 is frozen tuna fillets, belonging to heading 0304. If bigeye tuna has been cut into fillets, it is classified under 030487 rather than 030344. Confirm that the goods are whole or simply processed by heading, gutting, etc., and not cut into fillets. Verify whether the Latin scientific name is Thunnus obesus. Confirm that the preservation state is frozen with a core temperature below -18°C. Check whether there is a brand or packaging specification, and ensure the declaration is complete. Exclude drying, smoking, salting and other processing methods; otherwise classify under 0305.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and HS Notes: heading 0303 covers frozen fish (excluding fillets), and subheading 030344 explicitly lists bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the goods are whole or simply processed by heading, gutting, etc., not further processed into fillets or fish meat, and that the preservation state is frozen (core temperature usually below -18°C). At the same time, the Latin scientific name must be verified to avoid confusion with other tunas.
Confused Codes：
030341 - Frozen yellowfin tuna
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna are different species; 030341 is the exclusive subheading for yellowfin tuna. The two differ in morphology, fin color and distribution, and classification must be based on the Latin scientific name.
030342 - Frozen skipjack tuna
Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) belongs to the genus Katsuwonus, not Thunnus, is smaller in size and has different texture. 030342 is the skipjack subheading and must not be used interchangeably with 030344.
030343 - Frozen bluefin tuna
Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is another species with high economic value. 030343 is its subheading, and it differs from bigeye tuna in body size, fin length and meat quality.
030349 - Other frozen tunas
030349 is for species of the genus Thunnus not elsewhere specified, such as albacore tuna. Bigeye tuna already has the exclusive subheading 030344, so it is not classified here.
030487 - Frozen tuna fillets
030487 is frozen tuna fillets, belonging to heading 0304. If bigeye tuna has been cut into fillets, it is classified under 030487 rather than 030344.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the goods are whole or simply processed by heading, gutting, etc., and not cut into fillets.
✓ Verify whether the Latin scientific name is Thunnus obesus.
✓ Confirm that the preservation state is frozen with a core temperature below -18°C.
✓ Check whether there is a brand or packaging specification, and ensure the declaration is complete.
✓ Exclude drying, smoking, salting and other processing methods; otherwise classify under 0305.
❓ FAQ
How do I look up the HS code for frozen bigeye tuna? You can check through the General Administration of Customs website or the Import and Export Tariff: first determine the chapter (Chapter 03), then find heading 0303 (frozen fish), and finally find subheading 030344 by species. You can also use an HS code query tool and enter "bigeye tuna" or "Thunnus obesus" to obtain it. What is the difference between the codes for frozen bigeye tuna and frozen yellowfin tuna? Both are frozen tunas, but they are different species: bigeye tuna is classified under 030344, yellowfin tuna under 030341. When declaring, the Latin scientific name must be provided; customs may inspect fin color, body size and other characteristics, and misreporting may lead to classification errors and penalties. If bigeye tuna has been deboned and cut into fillets, which code should it be classified under? If it has been cut into fillets, it no longer falls under heading 0303 and should be classified under 030487 (frozen tuna fillets) under heading 0304. Heading 0303 only covers whole frozen fish or fish simply processed by heading, gutting, etc.; fillets must be classified separately. What key elements need to be provided when declaring? Key elements include product name, Latin scientific name, method of production or preservation, state, specification, packaging specification, brand and production date. Among these, the Latin scientific name and state are particularly important as they directly determine classification. It is recommended to prepare species certification documents in advance. Does the import of frozen bigeye tuna involve endangered species management? Bigeye tuna is not listed in the CITES appendices, but some regional fisheries management organizations may require fishing certificates. When importing, it is necessary to check whether it comes from legal fishing and prepare relevant certificates, such as ICCAT statistical documents. How do I distinguish frozen from ice-chilled bigeye tuna? Frozen requires a core temperature below -18°C and is classified under 0303; ice-chilled uses only ice for cooling, with a temperature near 0°C, and is classified under 0302. When declaring, temperature records must be provided, and customs may inspect the condition of the goods. How do I check the tariff rate for code 030344? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest Import and Export Tariff from the General Administration of Customs or use the official tariff query system, entering code 030344 and the country of origin and trade method to obtain the accurate rate. What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying bigeye tuna under other tuna codes? It may lead to tariff differences, statistical errors, and even customs penalties for false declaration. If endangered species are misreported, legal liability may also be incurred. It is recommended to strictly verify the Latin scientific name and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
Q: How do I look up the HS code for frozen bigeye tuna?
A: You can check through the General Administration of Customs website or the Import and Export Tariff: first determine the chapter (Chapter 03), then find heading 0303 (frozen fish), and finally find subheading 030344 by species. You can also use an HS code query tool and enter "bigeye tuna" or "Thunnus obesus" to obtain it.
Q: What is the difference between the codes for frozen bigeye tuna and frozen yellowfin tuna?
A: Both are frozen tunas, but they are different species: bigeye tuna is classified under 030344, yellowfin tuna under 030341. When declaring, the Latin scientific name must be provided; customs may inspect fin color, body size and other characteristics, and misreporting may lead to classification errors and penalties.
Q: If bigeye tuna has been deboned and cut into fillets, which code should it be classified under?
A: If it has been cut into fillets, it no longer falls under heading 0303 and should be classified under 030487 (frozen tuna fillets) under heading 0304. Heading 0303 only covers whole frozen fish or fish simply processed by heading, gutting, etc.; fillets must be classified separately.
Q: What key elements need to be provided when declaring?
A: Key elements include product name, Latin scientific name, method of production or preservation, state, specification, packaging specification, brand and production date. Among these, the Latin scientific name and state are particularly important as they directly determine classification. It is recommended to prepare species certification documents in advance.
Q: Does the import of frozen bigeye tuna involve endangered species management?
A: Bigeye tuna is not listed in the CITES appendices, but some regional fisheries management organizations may require fishing certificates. When importing, it is necessary to check whether it comes from legal fishing and prepare relevant certificates, such as ICCAT statistical documents.
Q: How do I distinguish frozen from ice-chilled bigeye tuna?
A: Frozen requires a core temperature below -18°C and is classified under 0303; ice-chilled uses only ice for cooling, with a temperature near 0°C, and is classified under 0302. When declaring, temperature records must be provided, and customs may inspect the condition of the goods.
Q: How do I check the tariff rate for code 030344?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest Import and Export Tariff from the General Administration of Customs or use the official tariff query system, entering code 030344 and the country of origin and trade method to obtain the accurate rate.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying bigeye tuna under other tuna codes?
A: It may lead to tariff differences, statistical errors, and even customs penalties for false declaration. If endangered species are misreported, legal liability may also be incurred. It is recommended to strictly verify the Latin scientific name and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.