HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0304.96 – Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, dogfish and other sharks
HS code 0304.96 is the 6-digit subheading for fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, dogfish and other sharks. It is used for frozen shark meat blocks, dogfish mince, shark portions (unfilleted), frozen shark steaks (bone-in) and processed shark meat for fish and chips.
What HS 0304.96 covers
This HS code covers frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, specifically from dogfish and other shark species. Trade in these products is often driven by specific regional culinary traditions, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia, where shark meat is consumed. Importers include countries with a demand for this niche product, while exporters are typically nations with active shark fisheries. Key considerations in this trade include strict international regulations on shark fishing, such as CITES listings for endangered species, and national quotas, which significantly impact supply and market access. Sustainability and traceability are paramount due to conservation concerns surrounding shark populations globally.
- Covers
- Frozen shark meat blocks
- Dogfish mince
- Shark portions (unfilleted)
- Frozen shark steaks (bone-in)
- Processed shark meat for fish and chips
- Shark surimi.
- Examples
- Shark meat sold in Asian markets
- specific dogfish products in European markets
- processed shark for fish and chips in some regions.
Codes often confused with 0304.96
Common mistake. Can be confused with 030479 (frozen fillets of other fish) if the product is a fillet, or 030499 (other frozen minced fish meat n.e.c.) if the shark species is not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030496, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030496 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% 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 United States $1.1M 28% of world exports
- 2 Spain $814K 20% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $572K 14% of world exports
World total: $4.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.1M 23% of world imports
- 2 Australia $692K 14% of world imports
- 3 Italy $626K 13% of world imports
World total: $4.8M 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 0304.96
Brazil does not split HS 0304.96: its NCM code is 0304.96.00.
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 0304.96
What is HS code 030496?
HS code 030496 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, dogfish and other sharks. This HS code covers frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, specifically from dogfish and other shark species. Trade in these products is often driven by specific regional culinary traditions, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia, where shark meat is consumed. Importers include countries with a demand for this niche product, while exporters are typically nations with active shark fisheries. Key considerations in this trade include strict international regulations on shark fishing, such as CITES listings for endangered species, and national quotas, which significantly impact supply and market access. Sustainability and traceability are paramount due to conservation concerns surrounding shark populations globally.
What products fall under HS code 030496?
Frozen shark meat blocks, dogfish mince, shark portions (unfilleted), frozen shark steaks (bone-in), processed shark meat for fish and chips, shark surimi.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030496?
Can be confused with 030479 (frozen fillets of other fish) if the product is a fillet, or 030499 (other frozen minced fish meat n.e.c.) if the shark species is not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030496?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030496 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1M, 28% of world exports), Spain ($814K) and Indonesia ($572K). World exports came to about $4.1M, 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 030496?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030496 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1M, 23% of world imports), Australia ($692K) and Italy ($626K). World imports came to about $4.8M, 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 030496 structured?
HS code 030496 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 (96) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030496?
In Brazil, HS code 030496 is NCM 0304.96.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.