HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0304.97 – Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae)

HS code 0304.97 is the 6-digit subheading for fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae). It is used for frozen skate wings (meat only), ray meat blocks, minced skate portions, frozen ray steaks (bone-in) and processed ray meat.

What HS 0304.97 covers

This category pertains to frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, specifically from rays and skates (Rajidae family). These products are traded to satisfy demand in specific culinary markets, predominantly in Europe and parts of Asia, where ray and skate wings are considered a delicacy. Importers are typically countries with a strong tradition of consuming these species, while exporters are nations with coastal fisheries that target rays and skates. The trade is influenced by seasonal availability, fishing quotas, and consumer preferences for the unique texture and flavor of these cartilaginous fish. Sustainability practices are increasingly important due to concerns over ray and skate populations.

Covers
  • Frozen skate wings (meat only)
  • Ray meat blocks
  • Minced skate portions
  • Frozen ray steaks (bone-in)
  • Processed ray meat
  • Skate surimi.
Examples
  • Skate wings sold in French markets
  • ray meat in Portuguese cuisine
  • specific Asian seafood markets
  • unbranded frozen skate meat.

Codes often confused with 0304.97

Common mistake. Could 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 species is not clearly identified as Rajidae.

0304.79Fish fillets; frozen, of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae other than cod, haddock, coalfish, hake, and Alaska pollock0304.99Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0304.9

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030497, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030497 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bulgaria, with 26% of world imports. The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $717K
  2. 2 Spain $317K
  3. 3 Russia* ~$159K

The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $1.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bulgaria $156K
  2. 2 China $151K
  3. 3 Portugal $67K

Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $601K 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 0304.97

Brazil does not split HS 0304.97: its NCM code is 0304.97.00.

  1. 0304.97.00 Frozen ray and skate meatRaias (Rajidae)

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 0304.97

What is HS code 030497?

HS code 030497 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae). This category pertains to frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, specifically from rays and skates (Rajidae family). These products are traded to satisfy demand in specific culinary markets, predominantly in Europe and parts of Asia, where ray and skate wings are considered a delicacy. Importers are typically countries with a strong tradition of consuming these species, while exporters are nations with coastal fisheries that target rays and skates. The trade is influenced by seasonal availability, fishing quotas, and consumer preferences for the unique texture and flavor of these cartilaginous fish. Sustainability practices are increasingly important due to concerns over ray and skate populations.

What products fall under HS code 030497?

Frozen skate wings (meat only), ray meat blocks, minced skate portions, frozen ray steaks (bone-in), processed ray meat, skate surimi.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030497?

Could 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 species is not clearly identified as Rajidae.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030497?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030497 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($717K, 40% of world exports), Spain ($317K) and Russia (about $159K). World exports came to about $1.8M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 030497?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030497 in UN Comtrade data were Bulgaria ($156K, 26% of world imports), China ($151K) and Portugal ($67K). World imports came to about $601K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

How is HS code 030497 structured?

HS code 030497 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 (97) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030497?

In Brazil, HS code 030497 is NCM 0304.97.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.