Product classification
HS code for Fresh dogfish: 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.
Classification of fresh dogfish under HS 0302.81
Fresh dogfish and other sharks are classified under HS code 0302.81. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 specifically covers fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat that fall under heading 0304. The classification of dogfish (Squalus acanthias and similar species) and other sharks within 0302.81 is based on the biological type of the fish and its state of preservation. To be classified here, the fish must be whole, or headed and gutted, but it must not be filleted. The term "chilled" refers to fish that has been reduced in temperature to approximately 0°C (32°F) without being frozen. This distinction is critical because frozen dogfish is classified under a different heading (0303). The classification also excludes edible fish offal, such as livers and roes, which are categorized under subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. Accurate classification is vital for compliance with maritime fishing quotas and international trade monitoring of shark species.
- Covers
- Fresh whole dogfish
- Chilled headed and gutted dogfish
- Fresh whole sharks (various species)
- Chilled shark carcasses (excluding fillets)
- Fresh dogfish intended for retail sale
- Also under 0302.81
- 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. Dogfish is frequently misclassified under HS code 0303.81 if the product is actually frozen; the distinction between chilled (0302) and frozen (0303) is a primary divider in Chapter 3. Another common error is using 0304.49, which covers fresh or chilled fillets of "other" fish. Once the dogfish is filleted, it must be moved to heading 0304. Additionally, shark fins are often classified separately under 0302.92 or 0305.71 depending on their state of preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh dogfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh dogfish) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030281, not only fresh dogfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $6.1M 38% of world exports
- 2 New Zealand $2.5M 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $1.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $7.2M 46% of world imports
- 2 Spain $3.2M 20% of world imports
- 3 Australia $2.6M 17% of world imports
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 fresh dogfish
Brazil classifies fresh dogfish under NCM 0302.81.00: HS 0302.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh dogfish
What is the HS code for Fresh dogfish?
The HS code for Fresh dogfish is 030281 (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). The HS code for fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks is 0302.81.
How do I classify Fresh dogfish for customs?
Fresh dogfish is classified under HS code 030281 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are shark fillets covered under this code?
No, shark fillets are classified under HS code 0304.49 if fresh or chilled, as 0302.81 only covers whole or minimally processed fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh dogfish (HS 030281)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh dogfish) 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 fresh dogfish (HS 030281)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh dogfish) 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.
Is the HS code for Fresh dogfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030281 for Fresh dogfish is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for fresh dogfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh dogfish (HS 030281) is classified under NCM 0302.81.00.