Product classification
HS code for Frozen ray fillets: 0304.88
Fish fillets, frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae).
Classification of frozen ray fillets under HS 0304.88
Frozen ray fillets are classified under HS code 0304.88. This classification is determined by Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans) and heading 0304, which is dedicated to fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. A 'fillet' is defined in the Explanatory Notes to the HS as a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone of the fish. For rays and skates, which have a cartilaginous structure rather than a traditional bony skeleton, the 'wings' or meat sections removed from the central cartilage are treated as fillets. Subheading 0304.88 is a specific category that groups together frozen fillets of dogfish, other sharks, rays, and skates (family Rajidae). The classification depends on two factors: the biological family of the fish and the fact that the meat has been separated from the main body/cartilage. The product must be frozen to qualify for this specific subheading.
- Covers
- Frozen ray wings (filleted)
- Frozen skate fillets
- Frozen skinless ray fillets
- Frozen portions of ray meat removed from the cartilage
- Also under 0304.88
- Young's Seafood (Skate Wings)
- Pescanova (Dogfish Fillets)
- various local fishmongers (Ray Fillets)
- Icelandic Seafarms (Skate Fillets)
Codes often confused with 0304.88
Common mistake. Frozen ray fillets are often confused with HS code 0303.82, which covers whole or gutted frozen rays and skates. If the ray is shipped whole or merely gutted without the meat being removed as fillets, 0303.82 is the correct code. Another misclassification is 0304.89, which is a 'basket' category for other frozen fish fillets. Because rays and skates have their own specific subheading (0304.88), using the general 'other' category is an error. Finally, if the fillets are dried or salted rather than frozen, they would move to heading 0305.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen ray fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen ray fillets) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 53% 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 030488, not only frozen ray fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $7.2M 44% of world exports
- 2 Spain $2.8M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.2M 13% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $9.7M 53% of world imports
- 2 France $1.9M 10% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $1.6M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $18M 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 codes for frozen ray fillets
Brazil splits HS 0304.88 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0304.88.10Frozen blue shark fillets
- 0304.88.90Other frozen dogfish, shark and ray fillets
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen ray fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen ray fillets?
The HS code for Frozen ray fillets is 030488 (Fish fillets; frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae)). The HS code for frozen fillets of rays and skates is 0304.88.
How do I classify Frozen ray fillets for customs?
Frozen ray fillets is classified under HS code 030488 — Fish fillets; frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ray wings classified as fillets?
Yes, in the context of the HS, ray wings that have been removed from the central body are classified as fillets under 0304.88.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen ray fillets (HS 030488)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen ray fillets) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($7.2M, 44% of world exports), Spain ($2.8M) and the United States ($2.2M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 ray fillets (HS 030488)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen ray fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($9.7M, 53% of world imports), France ($1.9M) and Brazil ($1.6M). World imports came to about $18M, 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 ray fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030488 for Frozen ray fillets 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 ray fillets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030488 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen ray fillets depends on the product's details: 0304.88.10 (Frozen blue shark fillets), 0304.88.90 (Other frozen dogfish, shark and ray fillets).