Product classification
HS code for Frozen dogfish: 0303.81
Fish, frozen, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen dogfish under HS 0303.81
HS code 0303.81 is utilized for the classification of frozen dogfish and other sharks. This code is situated within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which deals with fish and crustaceans. Heading 0303 specifically covers fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The subheading 0303.81 is a specific designation for dogfish and sharks. To be classified here, the fish must be frozen and must not be presented as fillets or minced meat, which would shift the classification to heading 0304. The classification includes the whole fish, headed and gutted (H&G) versions, or other cuts that do not meet the definition of a fillet. This code is essential for monitoring the trade of shark species and ensuring compliance with international fishing regulations and conservation efforts. The technical distinction for 0303.81 is the species identification (Squalus spp. for dogfish and various shark families) and the preservation method (freezing) applied to the whole or partially butchered carcass.
- Covers
- Frozen whole dogfish
- Frozen shark carcasses
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) sharks
- Frozen shark fins (if not further prepared)
- Frozen shark tails
- Also under 0303.81
- Seafood companies supplying Asian markets
- European fishmongers (for dogfish)
- specialized shark meat distributors
- wholesale seafood markets
Codes often confused with 0303.81
Common mistake. Dogfish and sharks are frequently misclassified under 0304 if they have been processed into fillets. Heading 0304 is specifically for fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced. Another common error is using 0302.81, which is the code for fresh or chilled dogfish and sharks. Importers must also be careful not to use the general "other fish" category (0303.89) when the specific 0303.81 code for sharks is available. Additionally, if the shark fins have been dried or salted, they may fall under 0305.71 rather than the frozen category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen dogfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen dogfish) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% 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 030381, not only frozen dogfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $22M 30% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $18M 24% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$15M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $14M 19% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $12M 16% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $11M 15% of world imports
World total: $73M 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 codes for frozen dogfish
Brazil splits HS 0303.81 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0303.81.11Frozen blue shark, whole
- 0303.81.12Frozen blue shark, gutted, headless, finless
- 0303.81.13Frozen blue shark pieces, skin-on
- 0303.81.14Frozen blue shark pieces, skinless
- 0303.81.19Other frozen blue shark
- 0303.81.90Frozen dogfish and other sharks (not blue shark)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen dogfish
What is the HS code for Frozen dogfish?
The HS code for Frozen dogfish is 030381 (Fish; frozen, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen dogfish and other sharks is 0303.81. This applies to the whole fish or large cuts that are not fillets.
How do I classify Frozen dogfish for customs?
Frozen dogfish is classified under HS code 030381 — Fish; frozen, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0303.81 include shark fillets?
No, shark fillets are classified under heading 0304, specifically 0304.81 for frozen shark fillets. Code 0303.81 is reserved for the fish in its whole or minimally butchered frozen state.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen dogfish (HS 030381)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen dogfish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($22M, 30% of world exports), Portugal ($18M) and Taiwan (about $15M). World exports came to about $75M, 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 frozen dogfish (HS 030381)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen dogfish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($14M, 19% of world imports), Brazil ($12M) and Portugal ($11M). World imports came to about $73M, 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 Frozen dogfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030381 for Frozen 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 frozen dogfish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030381 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen dogfish depends on the product's details: 0303.81.11 (Frozen blue shark, whole), 0303.81.12 (Frozen blue shark, gutted, headless, finless), 0303.81.13 (Frozen blue shark pieces, skin-on), 0303.81.14 (Frozen blue shark pieces, skinless), 0303.81.19 (Other frozen blue shark), 0303.81.90 (Frozen dogfish and other sharks (not blue shark)).