Product classification
HS code for Frozen shark: 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 shark under HS 0303.81
Frozen shark is classified under HS code 0303.81. This classification falls under Chapter 3 (Fish), Heading 0303, which covers frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat. Subheading 0303.81 is specifically designated for dogfish and other sharks. This code applies to the fish when it is presented in a whole form or as a carcass that has been headed, gutted, or had the fins removed, provided it has not been filleted. The classification is strictly for the frozen state; fresh or chilled sharks are classified under 0302.81. The scope of this code includes a wide variety of shark species, ranging from small dogfish to larger shark varieties, as long as they are not processed beyond basic dressing (heading/gutting). It is important to note that this code excludes edible offal and specific parts like shark fins when presented separately.
- Covers
- Frozen whole dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
- Frozen shark carcasses, headed and gutted
- Frozen shark portions (not fillets) with bone in
- Frozen catsharks and other shark species
- 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. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0304.88, which is used for frozen shark fillets. If the shark has been processed into skinless or skin-on fillets, it must be moved to heading 0304. Another significant distinction is HS code 0303.92, which is specifically for shark fins. Even if the fins are frozen, they are classified as edible fish offal under 0303.92 rather than under the general shark code 0303.81. Livers and roes are also separated into 0303.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen shark), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen shark) 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 shark.
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 shark
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 shark
What is the HS code for Frozen shark?
The HS code for Frozen shark 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 whole or dressed shark and dogfish is 0303.81.
How do I classify Frozen shark for customs?
Frozen shark 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.
Are shark fins included in HS code 0303.81?
No, shark fins are classified under HS code 0303.92, even if they are frozen, as they are considered fish offal.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen shark (HS 030381)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen shark) 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 shark (HS 030381)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030381 (the code used for frozen shark) 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 shark the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030381 for Frozen shark 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030381 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen shark 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)).