Product classification
HS code for Fresh shark meat: 0304.56
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks.
Classification of fresh shark meat under HS 0304.56
HS code 0304.56 is used for fresh or chilled shark meat that does not meet the definition of a fillet. This includes minced fish meat or meat that has been cut into pieces, chunks, or blocks, provided it is not a fillet. The classification falls under Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans) and Heading 0304 (Fish fillets and other fish meat). The specific subheading 0304.56 is designated for dogfish and other sharks. The distinction between "fillets" and "other meat" is a technical one based on the cut of the fish; fillets are longitudinal slices, while "other meat" covers everything else, including minced portions often used for further processing or specialized culinary applications. To remain in this category, the meat must be fresh or chilled. If the meat is subjected to freezing, drying, or salting, it moves to different subheadings or headings entirely. Accurate reporting under 0304.56 is vital for tracking the utilization of shark species in the global food supply chain.
- Covers
- Fresh minced shark meat
- Chilled shark meat blocks (non-fillet)
- Fresh dogfish meat portions
- Chilled shark meat trimmings
- Also under 0304.56
- Spiny Dogfish (meat)
- Mako Shark (meat)
- Thresher Shark (meat)
- Porbeagle Shark (meat)
Codes often confused with 0304.56
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 0304.47, which is specifically for fresh shark fillets. It is also often confused with 0304.96, which covers frozen shark meat (excluding fillets and minced). If the shark meat has been salted or dried, it must be classified under heading 0305. Using the whole-fish code 0302.81 for processed meat is also a common classification error.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030456 (the code used for fresh shark meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030456 (the code used for fresh shark meat) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 72% 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 030456, not only fresh shark meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $362K 83% of world exports
- 2 Greece $34K 7.8% of world exports
- 3 Italy $14K 3.2% of world exports
World total: $434K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $1.2M 72% of world imports
- 2 France $126K 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Cyprus $109K 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.6M 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 meat
Brazil classifies fresh shark meat under NCM 0304.56.00: HS 0304.56 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 meat
What is the HS code for Fresh shark meat?
The HS code for Fresh shark meat is 030456 (Fish meat; excluding fillets, whether or not minced; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks). Fresh or chilled shark meat (excluding fillets) is classified under HS code 0304.56.
How do I classify Fresh shark meat for customs?
Fresh shark meat is classified under HS code 030456 — Fish meat; excluding fillets, whether or not minced; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is minced shark meat included in this code?
Yes, fresh or chilled minced shark meat is correctly classified under HS code 0304.56.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh shark meat (HS 030456)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030456 (the code used for fresh shark meat) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($362K, 83% of world exports), Greece ($34K) and Italy ($14K). World exports came to about $434K, 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 meat (HS 030456)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030456 (the code used for fresh shark meat) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.2M, 72% of world imports), France ($126K) and Cyprus ($109K). World imports came to about $1.6M, 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 meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030456 for Fresh shark 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 shark meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh shark meat (HS 030456) is classified under NCM 0304.56.00.