HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0302.81 – Fish; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99

HS code 0302.81 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. It is used for fresh Spiny Dogfish, chilled Mako Shark, fresh Blue Shark, chilled Thresher Shark and fresh Porbeagle Shark.

What HS 0302.81 covers

This HS code covers the global trade of whole, fresh or chilled dogfish and other shark species. Shark meat is consumed in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, often valued for its unique texture and flavor. The trade involves both wild-caught species, with increasing scrutiny on sustainability and conservation due to concerns about overfishing and finning practices. Exporters and importers must navigate complex international regulations, including CITES listings for endangered shark species, and ensure proper handling to prevent spoilage and maintain quality during transit. The market for fresh shark can be niche, driven by specific culinary traditions and regional preferences, requiring specialized logistics for perishable goods.

Covers
  • Fresh Spiny Dogfish
  • Chilled Mako Shark
  • Fresh Blue Shark
  • Chilled Thresher Shark
  • Fresh Porbeagle Shark
  • Whole fresh shark carcasses
Examples
  • Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
  • Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
  • Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
  • Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus)

Codes often confused with 0302.81

Common mistake. This code is specifically for whole, fresh or chilled sharks, distinguishing it from 0303 (frozen sharks) or 0304 (shark fillets or fins), which are separate categories.

03.03Fish; frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 030403.04Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030281, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030281 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 46% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $6.1M
  2. 2 New Zealand $2.5M
  3. 3 Spain $1.7M

World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $7.2M
  2. 2 Spain $3.2M
  3. 3 Australia $2.6M

World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 0302.81

Brazil does not split HS 0302.81: its NCM code is 0302.81.00.

  1. 0302.81.00 Fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharksCação e outros tubarões

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.02 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 0302.81

What is HS code 030281?

HS code 030281 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This HS code covers the global trade of whole, fresh or chilled dogfish and other shark species. Shark meat is consumed in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, often valued for its unique texture and flavor. The trade involves both wild-caught species, with increasing scrutiny on sustainability and conservation due to concerns about overfishing and finning practices. Exporters and importers must navigate complex international regulations, including CITES listings for endangered shark species, and ensure proper handling to prevent spoilage and maintain quality during transit. The market for fresh shark can be niche, driven by specific culinary traditions and regional preferences, requiring specialized logistics for perishable goods.

What products fall under HS code 030281?

Fresh Spiny Dogfish, Chilled Mako Shark, Fresh Blue Shark, Chilled Thresher Shark, Fresh Porbeagle Shark, Whole fresh shark carcasses

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030281?

This code is specifically for whole, fresh or chilled sharks, distinguishing it from 0303 (frozen sharks) or 0304 (shark fillets or fins), which are separate categories.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030281?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030281 in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.1M, 38% of world exports), New Zealand ($2.5M) and Spain ($1.7M). World exports came to about $16M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 030281?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030281 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($7.2M, 46% of world imports), Spain ($3.2M) and Australia ($2.6M). World imports came to about $16M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 030281 structured?

HS code 030281 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030281?

In Brazil, HS code 030281 is NCM 0302.81.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.