How to Export Shrimp to USA: Logistics and Requirements

The United States imported 762,804 tonnes of shrimp in 2024 making it the world's largest shrimp market and one of the most regulated. Three federal agencies, FDA, NOAA, and CBP, control every shipment from facility registration through final entry and any misstep triggers detention, refusal, or placement on an import alert that can block a supplier for years. This guide walks through the complete compliance chain: FDA Prior Notice timing and facility registration renewal, seafood HACCP and FSVP verification duties, NOAA catch certificate data requirements under SIMP, CBP entry filing with correct HTS codes and AD/CVD cash deposits, and the country-specific health certificates, competent authorities, and residue labs for the top ten supplying nations. You will also learn how Turtle Excluder Device certification affects wild-caught eligibility, current antidumping duty ranges by producer, and the cold-chain and documentation practices that keep containers moving from origin port to U.S. warehouse.

Federal Import Requirements: FDA, NOAA, and CBP Mandates

The United States imported 762,804 tonnes of shrimp in 2024 according to World Fishing & Aquaculture, and the US imported 205,770 tonnes of shrimp in the first quarter of 2025, up 13% on the same period of 2024 according to World Fishing & Aquaculture, making compliance with federal mandates a prerequisite for market access. Three agencies govern every shipment: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food safety, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for trade documentation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for entry processing. Exporters must align facility registrations, preventive controls, catch certificates, and customs bonds before the first container sails. Failure at any checkpoint triggers detention, refusal, or placement on an import alert.

FDA Prior Notice and Facility Registration

FDA Prior Notice must be submitted electronically through the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) no later than two hours before arrival by truck, four hours by air or rail, and eight hours by vessel. The notice requires the FDA facility registration number for both the foreign processor and the U.S. consignee, the product description, quantity, lot codes, and the anticipated port of entry. Registrations must be renewed biennially between October 1 and December 31 of even-numbered years; a lapsed registration invalidates the Prior Notice and results in immediate refusal. Exporters should verify registration status in the FDA FURLS database before booking freight.

Seafood HACCP and FSVP Compliance

Every foreign shrimp processor must operate under a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan that addresses species-related hazards such as histamine formation, pathogen growth, and aquaculture drug residues. The plan must list critical control points, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification activities, and record-keeping protocols. Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), the U.S. importer is legally responsible for verifying that the foreign supplier meets U.S. safety standards through onsite audits, sampling and testing, or a review of the supplier’s food safety records. The FSVP importer must be identified by name and DUNS number at entry, and the FSVP documentation must be available for FDA review within 24 hours of request.

NOAA Form 370 Catch Certificate Requirements

NOAA Form 370 (Catch Certificate) is mandatory for all wild-caught shrimp and for farmed shrimp when the importing country requires it under the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). The certificate must be issued by the competent authority of the flag state or the exporting country and must accompany the shipment through ACE. Key data elements include the vessel name and flag, gear type, catch area (FAO statistical area), landing date, species scientific name, and product weight. Incomplete or altered certificates are a leading cause of SIMP holds. Exporters should confirm the competent authority’s digital signature capability, as NOAA increasingly rejects wet-ink-only documents.

CBP Entry Filing and Customs Bond

CBP requires a formal entry (CBP Form 7501) filed through ACE within 15 calendar days of arrival, supported by a continuous customs bond (Activity Code 1) sufficient to cover duties, taxes, and fees. The entry must declare the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, typically 0306.17 for frozen shrimp, and the country of origin for marking and duty purposes. Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) cash deposits apply to specific countries and must be posted at entry. A licensed customs broker holding a valid permit for the port of entry must sign the entry. Late filing incurs a 5 percent liquidated damages claim against the bond.

Country-Specific Certification & Competent Authority Contacts (Top 10 Origins)

Each exporting nation designates a competent authority to issue the health certificates and catch certificates required by FDA and NOAA. Certificate formats, language requirements, and laboratory accreditation vary significantly, so exporters must match the document set to the specific origin. The table below maps the top ten shrimp suppliers to their competent authorities, certificate types, and primary residue testing laboratories. Use this matrix to confirm the issuing body before requesting pre-shipment inspections.

Country	Competent Authority	Health Certificate Template	Catch Certificate Issuer	Primary Residue Lab	Certificate Language
India	Export Inspection Council (EIC)	EIC Health Certificate for Aquaculture Products	Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)	EIC Approved Labs (e.g., Kochi, Chennai)	English
Ecuador	Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries	Certificado Sanitario de Exportación	Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros	INP (Instituto Nacional de Pesca) Labs	Spanish / English
Vietnam	National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD)	Health Certificate for Aquatic Animals	Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish)	NAFIQAD Regional Labs	English
Indonesia	Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF)	Sertifikat Kesehatan Ikan (SKI)	Directorate General of Capture Fisheries	BBIPM Labs (Jakarta, Bitung)	English
Thailand	Department of Fisheries (DoF)	Health Certificate for Fishery Products	DoF Fisheries Control Division	DoF Central and Regional Labs	English
China	General Administration of Customs (GACC)	Certificate of Inspection and Quarantine	Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)	CIQ Designated Labs	Chinese / English
Mexico	SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria)	Certificado Zoosanitario para Exportación	CONAPESCA	SENASICA Approved Labs	Spanish / English
Bangladesh	Department of Fisheries (DoF) / FIQC	Health Certificate for Fish and Fishery Products	DoF / FIQC	FIQC Labs (Chattogram, Khulna)	English
Argentina	SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria)	Certificado Sanitario de Exportación	Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura	SENASA Labs (Mar del Plata, Puerto Madryn)	Spanish / English
Peru	SANIPES (Organismo Nacional de Sanidad Pesquera)	Certificado Sanitario de Exportación	PRODUCE / DGP	SANIPES Labs (Callao, Paita)	Spanish / English

The table shows that while all top origins issue health certificates in English or bilingual format, the competent authority structure differs: some countries consolidate health and catch certification under one agency (e.g., Bangladesh FIQC), while others split them between a health ministry and a fisheries ministry (e.g., Ecuador, Mexico). Exporters from split-authority countries must coordinate two separate application tracks, which adds three to five business days to the documentation timeline. Laboratory networks also vary; India’s EIC maintains a published list of approved labs with ISO 17025 accreditation, whereas Vietnam’s NAFIQAD regional labs operate under a central proficiency testing program. Always verify the current lab list on the competent authority website before scheduling residue analysis, as accreditation suspensions occur without notice.

Competent Authority Directory by Country

The competent authority directory by country identifies the official government body authorized to sign health certificates and catch certificates for U.S. entry. In India the Export Inspection Council (EIC) issues health certificates while the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) issues catch certificates. Ecuador splits authority between the Ministry of Production for health certificates and the Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros for catch certificates. Vietnam consolidates both under the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) for health certificates and the Directorate of Fisheries for catch certificates. Indonesia assigns the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for health certificates and the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries for catch certificates. Thailand uses the Department of Fisheries for both. China designates the General Administration of Customs for health certificates and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for catch certificates. Mexico relies on SENASICA for health certificates and CONAPESCA for catch certificates. Bangladesh uses the Department of Fisheries and Fish Inspection and Quality Control (FIQC) for both. Argentina assigns SENASA for health certificates and the Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura for catch certificates. Peru uses SANIPES for health certificates and PRODUCE for catch certificates.

Health Certificate Template Variations

Health certificate template variations across the top ten origins require exporters to use the exact form prescribed by each competent authority. India’s EIC certificate includes mandatory fields for aquaculture farm registration number, harvest date, pond identifier, and a list of approved veterinary drugs with withdrawal periods. Ecuador’s Certificado Sanitario requires the establishment’s Registro Único de Contribuyentes (RUC) number and a declaration of compliance with Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE INEN 1862. Vietnam’s NAFIQAD certificate must reference the establishment’s approval number under Circular 34/2013/TT-BNNPTNT and include a residue testing summary table. Indonesia’s SKI format mandates the Cold Storage Registration Number (Nomor Registrasi Penyimpanan Dingin) and a halal assurance statement for certain buyers. Thailand’s DoF certificate follows the ASEAN Harmonized Health Certificate layout with specific blocks for antibiotic screening results. China’s GACC certificate uses a bilingual format with a QR code linking to the CIQ verification portal. Mexico’s SENASICA certificate requires the Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP) of the responsible veterinarian. Bangladesh’s FIQC certificate includes a mandatory block for the processing plant’s HACCP approval number. Argentina’s SENASA certificate follows the Mercosur model with a unique barcode for traceability. Peru’s SANIPES certificate incorporates a digital signature timestamp and a mandatory field for the fishing vessel’s SIRENE registration.

Catch Certificate vs. Health Certificate Applicability

Catch certificate vs. health certificate applicability depends on the production method and the importing program. NOAA’s Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) requires a catch certificate (NOAA Form 370 or equivalent) for all wild-caught shrimp regardless of origin. Farmed shrimp requires a catch certificate only when the exporting country’s competent authority cannot provide a valid aquaculture health certificate that meets SIMP data requirements. The health certificate is always required by FDA under the seafood HACCP regulation to attest that the product was processed under a HACCP plan and meets U.S. sanitation standards. In practice, farmed shrimp shipments from India, Ecuador, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and China typically present a health certificate from the competent authority and a self-declaration of origin for SIMP compliance. Wild-caught shipments from Mexico, Argentina, and Peru must present a catch certificate issued by the fisheries authority plus a health certificate from the sanitary authority. Bangladesh and China rarely export wild-caught shrimp to the United States, so their documentation sets are almost exclusively health certificates for aquaculture products.

Key Laboratory Contacts for Residue Testing

Key laboratory contacts for residue testing are essential because FDA Import Alert 16-124 mandates detention without physical examination for shrimp from listed firms that lack a valid third-party lab report. In India exporters use EIC-approved labs such as the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) Kochi, EIA Chennai, and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Kochi, all accredited to ISO 17025 for chloramphenicol, nitrofurans, and quinolones. Ecuador’s Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INP) operates labs in Guayaquil and Manta that run the mandatory multi-residue panel for the Ministry of Production. Vietnam’s NAFIQAD regional labs in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Hai Phong provide the official test reports attached to the health certificate. Indonesia’s Balai Besar Industri Perikanan dan Pengolahan Produk Perikanan (BBIPM) in Jakarta and Bitung are the primary designated labs. Thailand’s Department of Fisheries central lab in Bangkok and regional labs in Songkhla and Phuket issue the required antibiotic screening certificates. China’s CIQ-designated labs in Qingdao, Dalian, and Zhanjiang must be selected from the GACC published list for the specific product code. Mexico’s SENASICA-approved labs include the Centro Nacional de Servicios de Diagnóstico en Salud Animal (CENAPA) and private labs with SENASICA recognition. Bangladesh’s FIQC labs in Chattogram and Khulna are the only authorized issuers for the health certificate residue block. Argentina’s SENASA labs in Mar del Plata and Puerto Madryn cover the required pesticide and antibiotic panels. Peru’s SANIPES labs in Callao and Paita issue the official residue analysis for the SANIPES health certificate.

Antidumping & Countervailing Duties: Current Rates by Country

Active AD/CVD Orders by Country

The United States maintains active antidumping and countervailing duty orders on frozen warmwater shrimp from India, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Ecuador, and Brazil. Each order originates from a petition filed by the American Shrimp Processors Association and subsequent determinations by the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission. India and Vietnam face both AD and CVD orders while China, Thailand, and Brazil carry AD orders only. Ecuador currently has an AD order in place following the 2023 sunset review. These orders apply to HS codes 0306.17, 1605.21, and 1605.29 covering shell-on, peeled, and value-added presentations. Exporters must verify the specific case number for their country before quoting landed costs. Ecuador exported 1,038,208 tonnes of shrimp products from January to September 2025, up 14% year-on-year according to World Fishing & Aquaculture (2025) source.

Cash Deposit Rate Ranges

Cash deposit rates function as the estimated duty liability collected at entry pending final liquidation. For India the combined AD and CVD cash deposit ranges from 0.84 percent to 12.73 percent depending on the individual producer or exporter combination assigned a separate rate. Vietnam combined rates span 4.58 percent to 25.76 percent. China AD rates range from 0.00 percent for select separate-rate companies up to 112.81 percent for the China-wide entity. Thailand AD rates vary from 0.00 percent to 67.80 percent. Ecuador AD rates currently sit between 0.00 percent and 3.98 percent. Brazil AD rates range from 0.00 percent to 6.82 percent. Importers must deposit the rate assigned to the specific foreign producer and exporter combination listed on the commercial invoice.

Scope Rulings and Product Exclusions

Scope rulings determine whether a specific product falls within the order description. The Department of Commerce has excluded certain value-added shrimp products such as dusted shrimp, breaded shrimp, and shrimp skewers when the value added by processing exceeds a defined threshold. Marinated or sauced shrimp may remain in scope if the shrimp component retains its essential character. Exporters seeking an exclusion must file a scope ruling request with Commerce providing detailed product specifications, ingredient lists, and processing flowcharts. A favorable ruling produces a written determination that CBP honors at the port of entry. Without a ruling the entry is liquidated at the applicable cash deposit rate.

Annual Review Process and Timelines

Administrative reviews occur annually upon request by domestic producers or foreign exporters. The period of review typically covers the twelve months following the anniversary of the order publication. Commerce publishes preliminary results approximately eight months after initiation and final results roughly four months later. New cash deposit rates take effect upon publication of the final results and apply to entries made on or after that date. Exporters not selected for individual review receive the country-wide or all-others rate. Participation requires submission of a complete questionnaire response within thirty days of initiation. Failure to respond results in the application of adverse facts available which often yields the highest rate in the order.

Country	Order Type	Cash Deposit Range (Combined %)	Separate Rate Available	Current Review Period
India	AD + CVD	0.84, 12.73	Yes	2023-2024
Vietnam	AD + CVD	4.58, 25.76	Yes	2023-2024
China	AD	0.00, 112.81	Yes	2023-2024
Thailand	AD	0.00, 67.80	Yes	2023-2024
Ecuador	AD	0.00, 3.98	Yes	2023-2024
Brazil	AD	0.00, 6.82	Yes	2023-2024

The table summarizes the active duty landscape for the six countries subject to orders. India and Vietnam carry dual AD and CVD liability while China, Thailand, Ecuador, and Brazil face AD only. Separate rates are available in every order meaning individual producers can qualify for lower deposits by cooperating with Commerce questionnaires. The current review period for all listed countries covers 2023-2024 with final results expected to update cash deposits in late 2025. Importers should monitor the Federal Register for preliminary and final determination notices to adjust cost models accordingly.

Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Certification for Wild-Caught Shrimp

Section 609 Certification Requirements

Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 prohibits the importation of wild-caught shrimp harvested with commercial fishing technology that may adversely affect sea turtles unless the harvesting nation is certified by the Department of State. Certification requires the nation to demonstrate a regulatory program comparable to the United States TED mandate and an enforcement effort comparable to the United States. The Department of State issues an annual determination published in the Federal Register listing certified nations. Only shrimp harvested in the waters of a certified nation or by vessels documented under the flag of a certified nation qualify for entry without a TED declaration. Aquaculture shrimp is exempt from this requirement entirely.

DS-2031 Form Completion and Submission

Importers of wild-caught shrimp from certified nations must file Form DS-2031 with each entry through the Automated Commercial Environment. The form identifies the harvesting nation, the vessel flag state, the species of shrimp, and the gear type used. The importer certifies that the shrimp was harvested under conditions that do not adversely affect sea turtles. CBP reviews the DS-2031 against the certified nations list at the time of entry. A missing or inaccurate DS-2031 triggers a hold and may result in seizure or re-export. Exporters must provide the importer with a vessel-level catch certificate or captain's statement confirming gear type and harvest location to support the DS-2031 declaration.

Certified Nations List and Renewal Cycles

The Department of State updates the certified nations list annually typically in April or May. As of the most recent determination the list includes Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Nations may be added or removed based on annual assessments of TED compliance and enforcement capacity. Exporters must verify the current list before each shipment because a nation decertified mid-year invalidates all pending DS-2031 filings for that origin.

Aquaculture Exemption Documentation

Farmed shrimp is exempt from Section 609 but the importer must prove aquaculture origin at entry. Acceptable evidence includes a government-issued health certificate stating the product is farmed, a farm registration certificate from the competent authority, or a traceability record linking the lot to a specific aquaculture facility. CBP may request pond-level harvest records or feed purchase invoices to confirm the claim. Wild-caught shrimp commingled with farmed shrimp in the same lot loses the exemption and requires a valid DS-2031. Exporters should maintain clear segregation in processing and packaging and provide a written declaration of aquaculture origin on company letterhead with each commercial invoice.

Lot-Level Traceability & Documentation Package

Farm and Pond Identification Standards

US importers require precise geographic and facility identification for all shrimp lots to satisfy FDA registration and FSVP verification protocols. The documentation must include the specific farm registration number issued by the exporting country’s competent authority, along with the exact pond or cage identification codes used during harvest. This granular data allows customs brokers to cross-reference harvest records with the facility’s sanitary status. Without these specific identifiers, CBP cannot verify the product’s origin or the farm’s compliance with safety standards, leading to potential detention. The data elements must be consistent across the commercial invoice, packing list, and the government health certificate to prevent entry delays.

Harvest Date and Processing Plant Linkage

Traceability requires a clear chronological link between the harvest event and the processing facility. Exporters must document the exact date of harvest and the specific processing plant where the shrimp were cleaned, frozen, and packaged. This linkage proves that the product was handled in a sanitary environment immediately after capture. The processing plant must be FDA-registered and listed on the commercial invoice. Any gap in this chain of custody can raise red flags for adulteration or improper storage conditions. Importers use this data to validate the shelf life and ensure the cold chain was maintained from the moment the shrimp left the water until they entered the US distribution network.

Cold Chain Temperature Logs

Maintaining the cold chain is critical for food safety and regulatory compliance. Shrimp must be kept at or below -18°C (0°F) throughout transit to prevent microbial growth and preserve quality. Data loggers inside the shipping container provide the official temperature records required by FDA and buyer specifications. These logs serve as the primary evidence that the product was stored correctly during the voyage. If the temperature deviates from the required range, the shipment may be rejected or destroyed. Importers review these logs to verify that the quality was maintained, as any break in the cold chain can render the product unsafe for human consumption and subject to refusal of admission.

Batch-Specific Health Certificate Correlation

The government health certificate must correlate directly with the specific lot number and batch details of the shipment. This official document, issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, confirms that the shrimp meet all US safety and health requirements. The certificate must reference the exact lot numbers, weights, and processing plant codes listed on the commercial invoice. Any discrepancy between the certificate and the physical shipment documentation can result in detention or refusal. Importers use this correlation to verify that the specific batch has been inspected and approved for entry, ensuring that the product is safe and properly labeled before it reaches the US market.

According to World Fishing & Aquaculture, US shrimp imports in Q1 2025 were valued at over US$ 1.7 billion, a 22% year-on-year rise World Fishing & Aquaculture. This surge in value underscores the necessity for precise documentation to handle the increased regulatory scrutiny at US ports.

State-Level Labeling Laws: Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi

Georgia Shrimp Labeling Act Requirements

Georgia enforces strict labeling laws for seafood sold within the state, requiring clear disclosure of the product's country of origin. Retailers and foodservice establishments must prominently display the country where the shrimp was harvested or farmed on menus, labels, and signage. This law aims to protect consumers who may have preferences or concerns about importing seafood from certain regions. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and legal penalties for businesses operating in Georgia. The disclosure must be easily visible to customers at the point of sale, ensuring transparency and allowing consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on the product's geographic source and origin.

Louisiana Imported Seafood Labeling Law

Louisiana has specific regulations mandating that all imported seafood, including shrimp, be clearly labeled as "imported" or state the country of origin. This requirement applies to both retail packaging and foodservice menus. The law is designed to support local fishermen and ensure consumers know whether they are purchasing domestic or foreign products. Businesses must ensure that the labeling is accurate and compliant with state standards to avoid legal issues. The disclosure must be prominent and easily readable, providing clear information about the product's origin. This transparency helps maintain trust with consumers and supports the local seafood industry by distinguishing local products from imported alternatives in the marketplace.

Alabama and Mississippi Disclosure Mandates

Alabama and Mississippi require similar disclosure mandates for imported seafood, ensuring that consumers are informed about the origin of the shrimp they purchase. Both states mandate that the country of origin be clearly stated on retail labels and foodservice menus. This requirement promotes transparency and allows consumers to make informed choices about their seafood purchases. Businesses must adhere to these labeling standards to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with state regulations. The disclosure must be accurate and prominently displayed, providing clear information about the product's origin. This helps maintain consumer trust and supports the local seafood industry by distinguishing between domestic and imported products in the marketplace.

Foodservice vs. Retail Compliance Differences

Compliance with state labeling laws differs between retail and foodservice sectors. Retailers must ensure that all packaged shrimp products have accurate and prominent country-of-origin labels on the packaging itself. Foodservice establishments, such as restaurants and hotels, must display the origin information on menus or provide it upon customer request. The level of detail required may vary, with retail often requiring more explicit labeling on the product itself. Businesses must understand these differences to ensure full compliance across all sales channels. Proper training for staff and clear communication with suppliers are essential to maintaining accurate labeling and avoiding legal issues in both retail and foodservice environments.

Conclusion

Exporting shrimp to the United States demands strict adherence to FDA, NOAA, and CBP mandates. You must secure facility registration, maintain HACCP plans, and file accurate NOAA Form 370 catch certificates before shipment. Ensure your customs broker files CBP Form 7501 with the correct HTS code and continuous bond to avoid detention. Verify country-specific health certificates and residue test results from accredited labs to meet FSVP requirements. Address antidumping duties and Turtle Excluder Device certifications to prevent entry refusal.

Proactive coordination between your foreign processor and U.S. importer is essential for smooth clearance. Use the provided country-specific directory to identify competent authorities and laboratory contacts early in the process. This preparation minimizes delays and ensures compliance with complex federal regulations. For further guidance on trade compliance and market entry strategies, visit the Global Trade Plaza blog.

Related reading: Rapeseed Export Logistics In Europe - A Complete Guide, Packing Errors In Coffee Export Logistics and How to Avoid Them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from India?

Exporters must secure health certificates from the Export Inspection Council and catch certificates from MPEDA. Residue testing for chloramphenicol and nitrofurans is mandatory at EIC-approved ISO 17025 labs. The U.S. importer must also verify compliance through FSVP audits using the facility's DUNS number.

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from Ecuador?

Certification splits between the Ministry of Production for health certificates and the Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros for catch certificates. Multi-residue panels are mandatory and conducted by INP labs in Guayaquil and Manta. Importers must verify these documents under FSVP rules before CBP entry.

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from Vietnam?

Health and catch certification consolidates under NAFIQAD and the Directorate of Fisheries. Regional labs in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Hai Phong issue official test reports. The U.S. consignee must ensure the FDA Prior Notice is filed electronically before the vessel arrives.

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from Thailand?

The Department of Fisheries issues both health and catch certificates. Shrimp must meet HACCP standards and FSVP verification requirements. Importers should file CBP entry on Form 7501 within 15 days using HTS code 0306.17 and maintain a continuous customs bond.

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from China?

The General Administration of Customs issues health certificates while the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs handles catch certificates. Tests occur at CIQ designated labs. Active antidumping duties apply, so cash deposits must be posted at CBP entry to avoid shipment detention.

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from Indonesia?

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries issues health certificates and the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries handles catch certificates. Residue testing occurs at BBIPM labs in Jakarta and Bitung. U.S. importers must verify facility registration status in the FDA FURLS database before shipment.

How to export shrimp to USA requirements from Mexico?

SENASICA issues health certificates and CONAPESCA issues catch certificates. Residue analysis is performed at SENASICA approved labs. The U.S. importer must ensure NOAA Form 370 is complete with vessel and gear data to satisfy Seafood Import Monitoring Program requirements.

What is the antidumping duty on shrimp from India?

Active antidumping and countervailing duty orders apply to frozen warmwater shrimp from India with cash deposit rates ranging from 0.00 percent to 112.81 percent. These rates vary by specific producer and must be posted at CBP entry to prevent cargo refusal.

Who issues the health certificate for shrimp exports to USA?

The competent authority of the exporting country issues the health certificate. In India this is the Export Inspection Council, while in Ecuador it is the Ministry of Production. The certificate must be in English or bilingual and signed by an authorized official.

What is the turtle excluder device certification process?

Section 609 certification by the Department of State is required for wild-caught shrimp. It verifies that the harvesting nation enforces turtle excluder device programs comparable to U.S. standards or that shrimp was harvested in turtle-free environments. This documentation accompanies the NOAA catch certificate.

Which countries export shrimp to USA?

The top supplying nations include India, Ecuador, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Mexico, Bangladesh, Argentina, and Peru. The United States imported 762,804 tonnes of shrimp in 2024, according to World Fishing & Aquaculture, making compliance with FDA, NOAA, and CBP mandates a strict prerequisite for market access.

Can I bring shrimp to USA?

Personal importation is generally prohibited unless the shrimp is fully cooked, canned, or commercially packaged. Fresh or frozen raw shrimp requires FDA Prior Notice, facility registration, and complex federal documentation that is not feasible for individual travelers. Check FDA regulations for specific allowances.

Sources

• World Fishing & Aquaculture (2024): US shrimp imports (volume)
• World Fishing & Aquaculture (January–September 2025): Ecuador shrimp exports (all markets)