Product classification
HS code for Fresh ray meat: 0304.57
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, fresh or chilled, rays and skates (Rajidae).
Classification of fresh ray meat under HS 0304.57
Fresh ray meat, which includes non-fillet cuts and minced meat, is classified under HS code 0304.57. This code falls under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. Heading 0304 is broad, covering fish fillets and other fish meat, but the subheadings distinguish between the form of the meat and the state of preservation. Subheading 0304.57 is specifically for 'other' fish meat (excluding fillets), whether or not minced, of rays and skates (Rajidae), in a fresh or chilled state. This classification is used for meat that has been recovered from the ray after the primary fillets (wings) have been removed, or for meat that has been processed into a minced or ground form. The 'fresh or chilled' requirement means the product is maintained at a low temperature to preserve quality without reaching a frozen state. This distinction is important because minced fish meat often has different chemical properties and shelf-life considerations than whole fillets. Accurate classification under 0304.57 ensures that trade statistics correctly reflect the utilization of the entire fish and helps regulators monitor the production of processed fish products derived from cartilaginous species.
- Covers
- Fresh minced ray meat
- Chilled ray meat trimmings
- Fresh skate meat (non-fillet)
- Chilled minced skate meat
- Fresh ray cheek meat
- Also under 0304.57
- Skate Wings (meat)
- Thornback Ray (meat)
- Undulate Ray (meat)
- Cownose Ray (meat)
Codes often confused with 0304.57
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with 0304.48, which is the specific code for ray fillets. If the meat consists of whole sides of the fish, it must be classified as a fillet. Another common error is 0304.96, which is the code for frozen ray meat and mince. If the product is frozen, it cannot be classified under 0304.57. Additionally, if the meat is prepared as surimi, it may still fall here if fresh, but most surimi is traded frozen under 0304.9x.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030457 (the code used for fresh ray meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030457 (the code used for fresh ray meat) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 030457, not only fresh ray meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$170K 47% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Spain $81K 22% of world exports
- 3 France $71K 19% of world exports
World total: $363K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $225K 46% of world imports
- 2 Italy $155K 31% of world imports
- 3 Bulgaria $67K 14% of world imports
World total: $493K 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 ray meat
Brazil classifies fresh ray meat under NCM 0304.57.00: HS 0304.57 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh ray meat
What is the HS code for Fresh ray meat?
The HS code for Fresh ray meat is 030457 (Fish meat; excluding fillets, whether or not minced; fresh or chilled, rays and skates (Rajidae)). The HS code for fresh or chilled ray meat (excluding fillets) and minced ray meat is 0304.57.
How do I classify Fresh ray meat for customs?
Fresh ray meat is classified under HS code 030457 — Fish meat; excluding fillets, whether or not minced; fresh or chilled, rays and skates (Rajidae). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include minced fish?
Yes, HS code 0304.57 specifically includes minced meat of rays and skates, provided it is fresh or chilled and not frozen.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh ray meat (HS 030457)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030457 (the code used for fresh ray meat) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $170K, 47% of world exports), Spain ($81K) and France ($71K). World exports came to about $363K, 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 ray meat (HS 030457)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030457 (the code used for fresh ray meat) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($225K, 46% of world imports), Italy ($155K) and Bulgaria ($67K). World imports came to about $493K, 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 ray meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030457 for Fresh ray meat 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 ray meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh ray meat (HS 030457) is classified under NCM 0304.57.00.