Product classification
HS code for Shark fins: 0305.71
Fish, edible offal, shark fins.
Classification of shark fins under HS 0305.71
Shark fins are classified under HS code 0305.71. This classification falls within Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0305 refers to fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish and edible fish meal. The subheading 0305.71 was specifically created to track the trade of shark fins due to international conservation efforts and regulatory requirements. This code applies to fins that have been removed from the shark and preserved through drying or salting, which is the most common form of international trade for this product. The classification is determined by the biological origin (shark) and the state of preservation (dried/salted/edible offal).
- Covers
- Dried shark fins
- Salted shark fins
- Shark fins in brine
- Smoked shark fins
- Raw shark fins (if preserved for transport)
- Shark fin parts (skins and cartilage if intended for consumption)
- Also under 0305.71
- Dried White Shark Fin
- Frozen Blue Shark Fin
- Processed Mako Shark Fin
- Hammerhead Shark Fin.
Codes often confused with 0305.71
Common mistake. Shark fins can be misclassified under HS code 0302 (fresh or chilled) or 0303 (frozen) if they are traded as part of the whole fish or as fresh/frozen parts. However, once they are processed by drying or salting, they must move to 0305.71. Another major area of confusion is shark fin soup or prepared shark fin products, which are classified under HS code 1604.20 as prepared or preserved fish. It is also important to distinguish between edible fins and shark leather or non-edible parts, which would fall under Chapter 41 or Chapter 5 respectively.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030571 (the code used for shark fins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030571 (the code used for shark fins) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 45% 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 030571, not only shark fins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $34M 25% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$18M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Singapore $13M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $136M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $62M 45% of world imports
- 2 Macao $48M 35% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $13M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $139M 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 shark fins
Brazil classifies shark fins under NCM 0305.71.00: HS 0305.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shark fins
What is the HS code for Shark fins?
The HS code for Shark fins is 030571 (Fish; edible offal, shark fins). The specific HS code for dried, salted, or brined shark fins is 0305.71.
How do I classify Shark fins for customs?
Shark fins is classified under HS code 030571 — Fish; edible offal, shark fins. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a permit required to export products under this code?
Yes, most shark species are protected under CITES, and trade under HS code 0305.71 usually requires specific environmental permits and documentation in addition to standard customs filings.
Which countries are the top exporters of shark fins (HS 030571)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030571 (the code used for shark fins) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($34M, 25% of world exports), Peru (about $18M) and Singapore ($13M). World exports came to about $136M, 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 shark fins (HS 030571)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030571 (the code used for shark fins) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($62M, 45% of world imports), Macao ($48M) and Singapore ($13M). World imports came to about $139M, 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 Shark fins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030571 for Shark fins 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 shark fins in Brazil?
In Brazil, shark fins (HS 030571) is classified under NCM 0305.71.00.