Product classification
HS code for Frozen dogfish meat: 0304.96
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, dogfish and other sharks.
Classification of frozen dogfish meat under HS 0304.96
Frozen dogfish meat is classified under HS code 0304.96. This classification is governed by Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which covers fish and crustaceans. Heading 0304 is specifically for fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.96 is designated for the 'other meat' of dogfish and sharks in a frozen state. In the context of HS code 0304, 'other meat' refers to fish meat that has been separated from the bones but is not in the form of a fillet. This often includes minced fish or meat blocks. The classification is species-specific, covering dogfish (such as Squalus acanthias) and other sharks. The product must be frozen to qualify for this specific code; fresh or chilled shark meat would fall under a different subheading within 0304.
- Covers
- Frozen minced dogfish meat
- Frozen shark meat blocks (non-fillet)
- Frozen dogfish flaps or belly meat
- Frozen shark meat trimmings
- Frozen minced shark for industrial food processing
- Also under 0304.96
- Shark meat sold in Asian markets
- specific dogfish products in European markets
- processed shark for fish and chips in some regions.
Codes often confused with 0304.96
Common mistake. Frozen dogfish meat is frequently misclassified under HS code 0304.88, which is the code for frozen fillets of dogfish and other sharks. The distinction between a 'fillet' (a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone) and 'other meat' (minced or irregular pieces) is vital for correct coding. Another common error is using HS code 0303.81, which is for whole frozen dogfish (including the head and tail). If the fish has been processed into meat or mince, it must move from 0303 to 0304. Finally, fresh dogfish meat is classified under 0304.51, not 0304.96.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen dogfish meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen dogfish meat) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% 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 030496, not only frozen dogfish meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.1M 28% of world exports
- 2 Spain $814K 20% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $572K 14% of world exports
World total: $4.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.1M 23% of world imports
- 2 Australia $692K 14% of world imports
- 3 Italy $626K 13% of world imports
World total: $4.8M 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 frozen dogfish meat
Brazil classifies frozen dogfish meat under NCM 0304.96.00: HS 0304.96 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen dogfish meat
What is the HS code for Frozen dogfish meat?
The HS code for Frozen dogfish meat is 030496 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, dogfish and other sharks). The HS code for frozen dogfish and shark meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.96.
How do I classify Frozen dogfish meat for customs?
Frozen dogfish meat is classified under HS code 030496 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, dogfish and other sharks. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen shark fillets?
No, frozen shark fillets are classified under HS code 0304.88. Code 0304.96 is reserved for minced meat or other non-fillet meat forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen dogfish meat (HS 030496)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen dogfish meat) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1M, 28% of world exports), Spain ($814K) and Indonesia ($572K). World exports came to about $4.1M, 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 meat (HS 030496)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen dogfish meat) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1M, 23% of world imports), Australia ($692K) and Italy ($626K). World imports came to about $4.8M, 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 meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030496 for Frozen dogfish 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 frozen dogfish meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen dogfish meat (HS 030496) is classified under NCM 0304.96.00.