U.S. seafood importers are reminded that effective December 31st, 2018, shipments of shrimp and abalone must include specific harvest and landing data for customs entry purposes. Importers must also maintain ‘chain of custody’ records for these imports.
From December 31, 2018 to March 1, 2019, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will implement an informed compliance period to work with importers of Shrimp and Abalone products in providing this information for entry purposes. As of March 1, 2019, an enforced compliance period will begin when the harvest and landing information will become mandatory for entry purposes.
These new requirements fall under the previously introduced U.S. Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). Under SIMP, U.S. Importers of Record (IoR) are required to obtain and maintain an International Fisheries Trade Permit from NOAA Fisheries prior to entry.
SIMP requirements affect the import of the following thirteen aquatic species:
| Abalone | King Crab (Red) | Shrimp |
| Atlantic Cod | Pacific Cod | Swordfish |
| Blue Crab (Atlantic) | Red Snapper | Tunas (Albacore, Bigeye, Skipjack, Yellowfin, and Bluefin) |
| Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi) | Sea Cucumber | Grouper |
| Sharks |
Please contact your local Delmar representative or email our U.S. Customs Advisory Services Group for additional information and assistance.
Additional Information:
The Delmar Del-A-Gram 