HS 030343 Skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) (Katsuwonus pelamis)
Quick Answer: Skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito) imported under HS 030343 enters the UK at 20.00%, the EU at 22.00%, and the US duty-free. This Harmonized System code specifically covers frozen, chilled, or otherwise preserved skipjack tuna, also known as stripe-bellied bonito, excluding fillets and other meat of tuna. Importers should be aware that while the US offers duty-free entry, significant ad valorem duties apply in the UK and EU. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying tariff rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance. Exporters and customs brokers must ensure proper documentation to support the classification and any applicable preferential trade agreements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0303430000 | — | — | — |
| 0303431000 | — | — | — |
| 0303439000 | 20.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0303430000 | — | — | — |
| 0303431000 | — | — | — |
| 0303439000 | 22.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0303430000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 030343 cover?
This subheading covers frozen skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), also known as stripe-bellied bonito. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to the whole, headless, or gutted fish, provided it is preserved by freezing. Official definitions from sources like the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this code is specific to this species of tuna when presented in a frozen state, excluding any further processing beyond freezing.
What falls outside HS 030343?
The following products are excluded from HS 030343: fresh or chilled skipjack tuna (which would fall under HS 0302), skipjack tuna preserved by other methods such as canning or drying (classified under HS Chapter 16), and tuna of other species like albacore or yellowfin (classified under HS 030344 or 030345 respectively). Products that have undergone significant preparation, such as tuna steaks or fillets that are not simply frozen whole, may also be classified elsewhere depending on the extent of the processing.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030343?
A common error is misidentifying the species of tuna, leading to classification under a different subheading within HS 0303. For instance, confusing skipjack with yellowfin tuna would result in incorrect duty rates. Another mistake involves misinterpreting the state of preservation; if the tuna is not frozen, it should not be classified under this subheading. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 030343?
The correct procedure for classifying frozen skipjack tuna under HS 030343 involves verifying the species of tuna and confirming that it is presented in a frozen state. Importers and customs brokers should consult official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, to confirm the exact nomenclature and any specific notes or exclusions. Reviewing the product's packaging and any supplier documentation that details the species and preservation method is essential for accurate declaration.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030343?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of frozen skipjack tuna, declared at a customs value of $3,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $30 USD. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($3,000 USD × 0.01 = $30 USD). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 0303.43.20.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030343?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030343, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying tuna originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 030343 (Skipjack tuna)?
Import duty rates for HS code 030343, covering Skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito), can vary significantly by importing country and trade agreements. For example, under the US Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 0% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under trade agreements may also apply. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides the basis for HS codes, but national tariff schedules detail the specific rates.
How is the import duty for Skipjack tuna (HS 030343) calculated?
The calculation of import duty for HS code 030343 typically involves an ad valorem rate, which is a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 0% ad valorem, the duty amount would be $0. If a hypothetical duty rate of 5% ad valorem were applied to a shipment of Skipjack tuna valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500. Always confirm the applicable duty rate and the basis for customs valuation (e.g., CIF value) with the importing country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required for importing Skipjack tuna under HS code 030343?
Importing Skipjack tuna (HS 030343) generally requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documentation may include a certificate of origin, import permits, and health or sanitary certificates issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Consult the specific import regulations of the destination country, such as those published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), for a comprehensive list.
Are there preferential duty rates for Skipjack tuna (HS 030343) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates often exist for Skipjack tuna (HS 030343) under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation may qualify for reduced or duty-free entry. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement (e.g., USMCA, EU trade deals) and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates. Checking the tariff database of the importing country (e.g., EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) is essential to identify applicable preferential treatments.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030343 (Skipjack tuna)?
The primary classification criterion for HS code 030343 is the species of fish: 'Skipjack tuna (stripe-bellied bonito)' scientifically known as Katsuwonus pelamis. The product must be fish of this specific species, and it must be frozen, chilled, or otherwise preserved, but not cooked or prepared in a manner that changes its fundamental nature. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System provide detailed guidance on the scope of this heading, clarifying that it applies to the raw, unprocessed fish of this species.