HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0304.88 – Fish fillets; frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae)
HS code 0304.88 is the 6-digit subheading for fish fillets, frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae). It is used for frozen dogfish fillets, frozen skate wings, frozen ray fillets, frozen shark steaks and frozen spiny dogfish fillets.
What HS 0304.88 covers
This HS code covers frozen fillets from dogfish, other sharks, rays, and skates (Rajidae), a diverse group of cartilaginous fish. The trade in these fillets often caters to specific regional culinary preferences, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia, where species like skate wings or dogfish are considered delicacies. While some species are widely consumed, others face conservation challenges, leading to varying levels of trade and regulation. Processing involves careful filleting and freezing to preserve texture and flavor. Importers typically include countries with established markets for these species, such as France, Spain, and South Korea. Exporters are often nations with active fisheries for these species, including the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Portugal. The market is influenced by cultural demand, fishing quotas, and evolving perceptions of shark and ray consumption.
- Covers
- Frozen dogfish fillets
- Frozen skate wings
- Frozen ray fillets
- Frozen shark steaks
- Frozen spiny dogfish fillets
- Frozen smooth-hound fillets
- Examples
- Young's Seafood (Skate Wings)
- Pescanova (Dogfish Fillets)
- various local fishmongers (Ray Fillets)
- Icelandic Seafarms (Skate Fillets)
Codes often confused with 0304.88
Common mistake. Can be confused with 030489 (other frozen fish fillets n.e.c.) if not specifically identified as shark, ray, or skate, or 030478 for fresh or chilled fillets of these species.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030488, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030488 in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 53% 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 New Zealand $7.2M 44% of world exports
- 2 Spain $2.8M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.2M 13% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $9.7M 53% of world imports
- 2 France $1.9M 10% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $1.6M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $18M 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 codes for 0304.88 2
Brazil splits HS 0304.88 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 0304.88.10 Frozen blue shark filletsTubarão-azul (Prionace glauca)
- 0304.88.90 Other frozen dogfish, shark and ray filletsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0304.88
What is HS code 030488?
HS code 030488 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish fillets; frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae). This HS code covers frozen fillets from dogfish, other sharks, rays, and skates (Rajidae), a diverse group of cartilaginous fish. The trade in these fillets often caters to specific regional culinary preferences, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia, where species like skate wings or dogfish are considered delicacies. While some species are widely consumed, others face conservation challenges, leading to varying levels of trade and regulation. Processing involves careful filleting and freezing to preserve texture and flavor. Importers typically include countries with established markets for these species, such as France, Spain, and South Korea. Exporters are often nations with active fisheries for these species, including the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Portugal. The market is influenced by cultural demand, fishing quotas, and evolving perceptions of shark and ray consumption.
What products fall under HS code 030488?
Frozen dogfish fillets, frozen skate wings, frozen ray fillets, frozen shark steaks, frozen spiny dogfish fillets, frozen smooth-hound fillets
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030488?
Can be confused with 030489 (other frozen fish fillets n.e.c.) if not specifically identified as shark, ray, or skate, or 030478 for fresh or chilled fillets of these species.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030488?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030488 in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($7.2M, 44% of world exports), Spain ($2.8M) and the United States ($2.2M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 030488?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030488 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($9.7M, 53% of world imports), France ($1.9M) and Brazil ($1.6M). World imports came to about $18M, 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 030488 structured?
HS code 030488 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (88) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030488?
Brazil splits HS code 030488 into 2 NCM codes: 0304.88.10 (Frozen blue shark fillets), 0304.88.90 (Other frozen dogfish, shark and ray fillets). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.