Product classification
HS code for Frozen ray meat: 0304.97
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae).
Classification of frozen ray meat under HS 0304.97
Frozen ray meat is classified under HS code 0304.97. This code is situated within Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0304 is specifically designated for fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.97 is reserved for the frozen meat of rays and skates (family Rajidae). This classification is distinct from whole fish or fillets because it refers to the muscular flesh that has been removed from the skeletal structure but does not necessarily meet the definition of a fillet (which is a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone). This often includes minced meat or meat that has been recovered from the wings of the ray. The product must be frozen to a degree that ensures the preservation of the cellular structure of the meat for the duration of international transit.
- Covers
- Minced frozen ray meat
- Frozen ray wing meat (not in fillet form)
- Shredded frozen skate meat
- Frozen blocks of ray meat
- Mechanically deboned ray meat
- Also under 0304.97
- Skate wings sold in French markets
- ray meat in Portuguese cuisine
- specific Asian seafood markets
- unbranded frozen skate meat.
Codes often confused with 0304.97
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0303.82, which covers whole frozen rays and skates (including headed and gutted versions). If the meat is presented as a fillet, it might be incorrectly classified under 0304.89 (other frozen fish fillets) if the specific species-specific fillet code is not utilized. Additionally, if the ray meat is prepared, such as breaded or precooked, it must be moved to Chapter 16, specifically heading 1604.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen ray meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen ray meat) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bulgaria, with 26% of world imports. The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030497, not only frozen ray meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $717K 40% of world exports
- 2 Spain $317K 18% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$159K 8.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bulgaria $156K 26% of world imports
- 2 China $151K 25% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $67K 11% of world imports
Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $601K 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. 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 ray meat
Brazil classifies frozen ray meat under NCM 0304.97.00: HS 0304.97 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen ray meat
What is the HS code for Frozen ray meat?
The HS code for Frozen ray meat is 030497 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae)). The specific HS code for frozen meat of rays and skates (excluding fillets) is 0304.97.
How do I classify Frozen ray meat for customs?
Frozen ray meat is classified under HS code 030497 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is ray meat distinguished from whole rays in the HS system?
Ray meat (0304.97) refers to the flesh removed from the bone, whereas whole, headed, or gutted rays are classified under 0303.82.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen ray meat (HS 030497)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen ray meat) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($717K, 40% of world exports), Spain ($317K) and Russia (about $159K). World exports came to about $1.8M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen ray meat (HS 030497)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen ray meat) in UN Comtrade data were Bulgaria ($156K, 26% of world imports), China ($151K) and Portugal ($67K). World imports came to about $601K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($604K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Frozen ray meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030497 for Frozen ray 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 ray meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen ray meat (HS 030497) is classified under NCM 0304.97.00.