HS 030344 Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)
Quick Answer: Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) imported under HS 030344 enters the UK at 20.00%, the EU at 22.00%, and the US duty-free. This classification specifically covers frozen bigeye tuna, excluding fillets and other meat of fish. Importers should be aware that while US entry is duty-free under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, significant duties apply in the UK and EU. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific tariff rates and any potential preferential trade agreements that might alter these obligations for international trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0303440000 | — | — | — |
| 0303441000 | — | — | — |
| 0303449000 | 20.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0303441000 | — | — | — |
| 0303440000 | — | — | — |
| 0303449000 | 22.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0303440000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 030344 cover?
This subheading covers frozen bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is specific to the species Thunnus obesus. Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that this code is exclusively for whole or headless, gutted, or ungutted bigeye tuna that has been preserved by freezing.
What falls outside HS 030344?
The following products are excluded from HS 030344: fresh or chilled bigeye tuna (classified under HS 0302), bigeye tuna that has been dried, salted, or in brine (classified under HS 0305), and any products derived from bigeye tuna that have undergone further processing into fillets or fish meat (classified under HS 0304). For instance, frozen bigeye tuna loins or steaks would be classified under HS 0304.87, not this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030344?
A common error is misidentifying the species of tuna. While this subheading is specific to bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), importers may mistakenly classify other tuna species, such as yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) or bluefin (Thunnus thynnus), under this code. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, emphasizing the need for precise species identification.
How should importers classify products under HS 030344?
The correct procedure for classifying frozen bigeye tuna under HS 030344 involves verifying the species of tuna and confirming that the product is presented in a frozen state. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and ensure that the product's condition (frozen) and species (Thunnus obesus) precisely match the subheading's description, referencing any relevant explanatory notes.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030344?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of frozen bigeye tuna, declared at a customs value of $8,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $400.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($8,000 USD × 0.05 = $400.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030344?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030344, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying tuna originating from Mexico or Canada. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible tuna from 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 import duty rates for HS code 030344 (Bigeye tuna, frozen)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 030344 (Bigeye tuna, frozen, excluding fillets and other meat of fish of the subheading 0303.44) into the United States is Free. However, preferential rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, under the US-Korea FTA, the duty rate is also Free. Always consult the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current rates applicable to your specific import.
How is the import duty for Bigeye tuna (HS 030344) calculated?
The duty for HS 030344 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis or a per-kilogram basis, depending on the specific tariff provision and country of origin. For instance, if the MFN duty were 3.5% ad valorem and you imported 100 kg of Bigeye tuna valued at $500, the duty would be calculated as: $500 (value) * 0.035 (duty rate) = $17.50. If a specific duty applied, such as $0.50 per kg, the duty would be 100 kg * $0.50/kg = $50.00. For HS 030344, the US MFN rate is Free, meaning no duty is assessed.
What documentation is typically required for importing Bigeye tuna under HS 030344?
Importing Bigeye tuna under HS 030344 generally requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Additionally, depending on the country of origin and import destination, you may need a Catch Certificate or similar documentation to verify the origin and legality of the catch, particularly for tuna species. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may also require specific declarations related to seafood traceability and safety.
Are there specific classification criteria for Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) under HS 030344?
Yes, HS code 030344 specifically covers 'Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), excluding fillets and other meat of fish of the subheading 0303.44'. This means the product must be identifiable as Bigeye tuna, and it must be presented in a form other than fillets or meat. The product must be frozen and intended for human consumption to fall under Chapter 03. Proper species identification and confirmation that the product is not processed beyond freezing are crucial for correct classification.
Which trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for Bigeye tuna (HS 030344) imported into the US?
While the U.S. MFN duty rate for HS 030344 is Free, several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) also provide duty-free access, reinforcing the favorable trade conditions. Examples include agreements with countries that are signatories to the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) or the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement, provided the Bigeye tuna originates from those countries and meets the rules of origin. Importers should always verify the specific rules of origin and current status of any applicable FTA with the relevant customs authority.