Product classification
HS code for Frozen shark meat: 0304.96
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, dogfish and other sharks.
Classification of frozen shark meat under HS 0304.96
HS code 0304.96 is used for frozen fish meat of dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets. This code falls under heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat. The "other fish meat" category typically refers to meat that has been recovered from the carcass after filleting, often in the form of minced meat, blocks, or small pieces that do not meet the definition of a fillet. For dogfish and sharks, 0304.96 is the specific destination for such products when frozen. This classification is distinct from 0304.88, which is reserved for fillets. The distinction is based on the physical form of the meat. If the shark meat is minced and then frozen into blocks for further industrial processing (such as for surimi or fish cakes), 0304.96 is the correct classification. This code is also used for "flaked" meat or meat that has been mechanically separated. It is vital for traders to distinguish between the high-value fillets (0304.88) and the bulk meat or minced products (0304.96) to ensure accurate duty payments and trade statistics. The product must not be cooked or seasoned to remain in this category.
- Covers
- Frozen minced shark meat
- Frozen shark meat blocks
- Frozen dogfish meat (non-fillet)
- Frozen shark meat flakes
- 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. The most frequent misclassification is with 0304.88, which is specifically for fillets. It is also sometimes confused with 0303.81 (whole frozen sharks) or 0305.20 (dried or salted fish meat). If the meat is prepared as surimi, it may occasionally be misclassified under 0304.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen shark meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen shark 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 shark 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 shark meat
Brazil classifies frozen shark 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 shark meat
What is the HS code for Frozen shark meat?
The HS code for Frozen shark meat is 030496 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, dogfish and other sharks). The HS code for frozen shark meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.96.
How do I classify Frozen shark meat for customs?
Frozen shark 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 minced shark?
Yes, frozen minced shark meat is classified under 0304.96.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen shark meat (HS 030496)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen shark 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 shark meat (HS 030496)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030496 (the code used for frozen shark 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 shark meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030496 for Frozen shark 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 shark meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen shark meat (HS 030496) is classified under NCM 0304.96.00.