Product classification
HS code for Frozen skate meat: 0304.97
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae).
Classification of frozen skate meat under HS 0304.97
The classification of frozen skate meat under HS code 0304.97 is determined by the specific processing of the fish and its biological family. This code is reserved for fish meat of the Rajidae family, commonly known as rays and skates, that has been processed into a form other than fillets. In the context of the Harmonized System, "meat" typically refers to minced fish or small pieces of flesh that have been separated from the skeletal structure but do not maintain the cohesive shape of a fillet. This often includes products used for further industrial processing, such as fish cakes or surimi-based products, where the texture of a whole fillet is not required. The product must be frozen to a temperature that ensures its preservation during transport. Because skates have a unique cartilaginous structure, the extraction of meat often differs from teleost (bony) fish, making this specific sub-classification necessary for accurate trade statistics and tariff application. The distinction between meat and fillets is critical; fillets are generally considered the longitudinal slices of meat, whereas 0304.97 covers the residual or minced meat.
- Covers
- Frozen minced skate meat
- Frozen skate meat blocks (non-fillet)
- Mechanically deboned skate meat
- Frozen shredded skate flesh
- 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. This code is often confused with 0304.89, which covers other frozen fish fillets. The distinction lies in whether the product is a fillet or minced/non-fillet meat. It is also sometimes misclassified under 0303.82 if the meat is not sufficiently separated from the skeletal structure or if the wings are still bone-in.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen skate meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen skate 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 skate 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 skate meat
Brazil classifies frozen skate 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 skate meat
What is the HS code for Frozen skate meat?
The HS code for Frozen skate meat is 030497 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, rays and skates (Rajidae)). The HS code for frozen skate meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.97.
How do I classify Frozen skate meat for customs?
Frozen skate 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.
Does this code include skate wings?
If the skate wings are frozen and bone-in, they are typically classified under 0303.82. If they are processed into boneless meat or minced, they fall under 0304.97.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen skate meat (HS 030497)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen skate 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 skate meat (HS 030497)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030497 (the code used for frozen skate 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 skate meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030497 for Frozen skate 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 skate meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen skate meat (HS 030497) is classified under NCM 0304.97.00.