Product classification
HS code for Fresh shark: 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 shark under HS 0302.81
Fresh shark is classified under HS code 0302.81. Heading 0302 is dedicated to fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Within this heading, the system differentiates between various species. Subheading 0302.81 specifically covers dogfish and other sharks. This classification applies to whole fish or fish that have been gutted or headed, but it excludes any fish that has been processed into fillets. The "fresh or chilled" requirement means the shark must be maintained at a temperature near 0°C without being frozen. This code is essential for monitoring the trade of shark species, many of which are subject to international conservation regulations like CITES. It is important to note that edible offal, such as livers and roes, are classified under different subheadings within 0302 (0302.91 to 0302.99). The classification remains 0302.81 even if the shark is presented without its fins, provided the body is fresh or chilled.
- Covers
- Fresh whole dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
- Chilled mako shark, headed and gutted
- Live sharks intended for the food trade
- Fresh blue shark carcasses on ice
- Chilled thresher shark, excluding fillets
- 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. Fresh shark is often confused with 0303.81, which is the code for frozen shark. Another significant misclassification involves 0304.47, which is the specific code for fresh or chilled shark fillets. If the shark has been processed into skinless, boneless pieces, it must move to 0304. Furthermore, shark fins are a unique case; they are classified under 0305.71 regardless of whether they are fresh, chilled, or dried, due to specific international trade monitoring requirements for finning.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh shark), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh shark) 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 shark.
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 shark
Brazil classifies fresh shark 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 shark
What is the HS code for Fresh shark?
The HS code for Fresh shark 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 (excluding fillets) is 0302.81.
How do I classify Fresh shark for customs?
Fresh shark 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 fins classified under 0302.81?
No, shark fins are specifically classified under HS code 0305.71, even if they are fresh or chilled.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh shark (HS 030281)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh shark) 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 shark (HS 030281)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030281 (the code used for fresh shark) 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 shark the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030281 for Fresh shark 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 shark in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh shark (HS 030281) is classified under NCM 0302.81.00.