US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued CSMS 17-000568. This message was issued to remind brokers, importers, and exporters about the importing and export filing requirements for three National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Programs that became effective on September 20, 2016.
The three (3) programs are:
- The Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Program which covers the import and export of certain species of tuna, swordfish and shark fins.
- The Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program which includes the import and export of toothfish and Antarctic krill.
- The Tuna Tracking and Verification Program (also known as the 370 Program) which monitors the importation of all frozen tuna and/or processed tuna product and authenticates any associated dolphin-safe claim through the NOAA Form 370.
An International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) is required for goods covered by these programs.
The Federal Register published the final rule on August 3rd, 2016 which established the requirements. The NMFS has issued a compliance guide for the implementation of the International Trade Data System (ITDS). Additional information on the Program requirements can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries website.
If you have questions on importing fish covered by these NMFS Programs into the United States, please contact the US Transition Team at transitionus@willsonintl.044d949.netsolhost.com or 1-800-315-1918, option 4.