Product classification
HS code for Frozen shark fillets: 0304.88
Fish fillets, frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae).
Classification of frozen shark fillets under HS 0304.88
HS code 0304.88 is utilized for the classification of frozen fillets of dogfish, other sharks, rays, and skates (belonging to the family Rajidae). Heading 0304 is designated for fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.88 specifically groups these cartilaginous fish together. A "fillet" is defined as a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone of the fish, consisting of the right or left side of the fish, provided that the head, viscera, fins, and bones have been removed and the two sides are not joined. The freezing process must be the primary method of preservation. This code is essential for tracking the trade of shark species and ensuring compliance with international conservation agreements, such as CITES, which may regulate specific species within this group. It is important to note that if the fillets are breaded, battered, or precooked, they would no longer fall under Chapter 3 and would instead be classified under Chapter 16 (specifically 1604.19). The classification remains 0304.88 even if the skin is left on the fillet.
- Covers
- Frozen Blue shark fillets
- Frozen Mako shark fillets
- Frozen Dogfish fillets
- Frozen Ray and Skate fillets
- Frozen Hammerhead shark fillets
- 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. Common errors include using 0303.81, which is for whole frozen sharks rather than fillets. Another misclassification is 0304.96, which is for frozen shark meat that is not in fillet form (such as minced meat). Prepared or breaded shark fillets should be classified under 1604.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen shark fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen shark 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 shark 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 shark 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 shark fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen shark fillets?
The HS code for Frozen shark fillets is 030488 (Fish fillets; frozen, dogfish, other sharks, rays and skates (Rajidae)). The HS code for frozen shark fillets is 0304.88.
How do I classify Frozen shark fillets for customs?
Frozen shark 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.
Does this code include frozen skate wings?
Yes, frozen fillets or wings of skates and rays are classified under 0304.88.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen shark fillets (HS 030488)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen shark 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 shark fillets (HS 030488)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030488 (the code used for frozen shark 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 shark fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030488 for Frozen shark 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 shark fillets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030488 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen shark fillets depends on the product's details: 0304.88.10 (Frozen blue shark fillets), 0304.88.90 (Other frozen dogfish, shark and ray fillets).