Frozen Head-Off Yellowfin Tuna
Frozen yellowfin tuna with heads removed, presented as gutted and tailed whole fish bodies, standard for sashimi-grade imports. Classified under HTS 0303.42.00 because it remains whole fish (not fillets) of Thunnus albacares, frozen, and excluding offal subheadings. Ideal for Japanese markets requiring high-quality loins.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If albacore or longfin tunas
Different Thunnus species like albacore (Thunnus alalunga) use 0303.41.00, as 0303.42.00 is species-specific to yellowfin.
If further processed into blocks or loins resembling meat
If trimmed to the point of being other fish meat, it moves to 0304, but head-off whole retains 0303 classification.
If ground into flour, meal, or pellets fit for human consumption
Chapter notes exclude flours, meals, and pellets from 0303-0308, directing them to 0309.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide catch certificates confirming Thunnus albacares species to prevent misclassification; label clearly as 'head-off whole frozen tuna' to distinguish from fillets; check for IUU fishing regulations under NOAA
Related Products under HTS 0303.42.00
Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Whole Fish
Whole frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) caught in the Pacific Ocean, typically weighing 20-50 kg each, packaged in bulk for commercial processing. This product falls under HTS 0303.42.00 as it is frozen whole fish of the specific species, excluding fillets or meat of heading 0304 and not processed into offal. It is commonly imported for further processing into steaks or canned tuna.
Frozen Gilled and Gutted Yellowfin Tuna
Frozen yellowfin tuna processed by gilling, gutting, and bleeding for optimal freshness, supplied in 10-30 kg units to canneries. This fits HTS 0303.42.00 as frozen whole fish of the genus Thunnus albacares, not advanced to fillet stage or offal. Widely used in tuna canning industries globally.
IQF Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Portions
Individually quick frozen (IQF) yellowfin tuna portions cut from whole fish but retaining bone-in steak form, not skinless fillets. Under HTS 0303.42.00 as frozen tunas excluding fillets of 0304, specifically Thunnus albacares species. Popular for retail seafood counters.
Bulk Frozen Yellowfin Tuna for Canning
Large frozen blocks of whole yellowfin tuna destined for canning, sourced from Ecuadorian fisheries, in 100 kg master cartons. HTS 0303.42.00 applies to frozen whole Thunnus albacares excluding 0304 meat or offal. Primary input for chunk light tuna products.
Frozen Yellowfin Tuna H&G Blocks
Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) yellowfin tuna in block form for industrial slicing, from Indian Ocean catches. Classified in HTS 0303.42.00 as frozen whole fish of Thunnus albacares, not fillets. Used in poke bowl and sushi production.
Sashimi-Grade Frozen Yellowfin Tuna
Premium frozen whole yellowfin tuna processed to sushi/sashimi standards, blast-frozen at -60°C immediately post-catch. Falls under HTS 0303.42.00 for frozen Thunnus albacares whole fish, excluding 0304 fillets. Exported mainly to Asian markets.