How to Import Seafood to USA: FDA HACCP Compliance Guide

Importing seafood into the United States means navigating a layered compliance framework where a single missing record can hold a container at the port for weeks. The FDA HACCP regulation at 21 CFR 123 sets the baseline: every importer must verify that foreign processors control hazards specific to each species and product form they ship. On top of that, the Foreign Supplier Verification Program shifts legal responsibility to the U.S. importer to prove each supplier meets FDA standards. NOAA's Seafood Import Monitoring Program adds mandatory catch documentation and chain-of-custody reporting for 13 at-risk species groups. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires separate licenses, eDecs declarations, and CITES permits for listed species. Finally, CBP entry demands coordinated PGA message sets, timely ISF-10+2 filings, and adequate bond coverage. This guide walks through each requirement with the specific documents, data elements, and verification steps experienced importers use to clear seafood entries without costly delays.

FDA HACCP Compliance Framework for Seafood Importers (21 CFR 123)

FDA HACCP for seafood imports is a mandatory preventive control system under 21 CFR 123 that requires every importer to ensure foreign processors have identified and controlled food safety hazards for each species and product form they ship to the United States. The regulation applies to all fish and fishery products offered for entry including fresh frozen canned and smoked items. Importers must maintain a written verification procedure that confirms the foreign processor operates under a HACCP plan addressing biological chemical and physical hazards specific to the product. The total value of U.S. imported seafood in 2023 was $25.5 billion according to USDA ERS underscoring the scale of products subject to these controls.

Hazard analysis by species group

Hazard analysis by species group requires the importer to evaluate each seafood type for known or reasonably foreseeable hazards including scombrotoxin in tuna mahi mahi and anchovies pathogens such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus in raw molluscan shellfish parasites in certain finfish destined for raw consumption natural toxins like ciguatera in tropical reef fish and aquaculture drug residues in farmed shrimp salmon and pangasius. The analysis must reference the FDA Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance which lists species specific hazards and recommended controls. Importers document the hazard analysis in their verification records and update it when sourcing changes or new scientific data emerges.

Critical control point identification

Critical control point identification follows the hazard analysis by pinpointing steps where control is essential to prevent eliminate or reduce each significant hazard to an acceptable level. Common CCPs for seafood imports include receiving controls for histamine forming species where temperature and time records verify proper icing or refrigeration cooking or pasteurization steps for ready to eat products freezing for parasite destruction in raw ready to eat fish and metal detection for processed items. The foreign processor must establish critical limits monitoring procedures corrective actions and verification activities for each CCP and the importer must verify these elements are in place before entry.

Monitoring and verification procedures

Monitoring and verification procedures require the importer to obtain and review the foreign processor HACCP plan monitoring records and corrective action records on an ongoing basis. Verification activities include reviewing consumer complaints conducting periodic audits of the foreign facility either directly or through a qualified third party and testing product for specific hazards such as histamine or drug residues when warranted. The importer must maintain records of all verification activities for two years and make them available to FDA upon request. Failure to maintain adequate verification procedures can result in detention without physical examination under Import Alert 16-124.

Species Group	Primary Hazard	Typical CCP	Critical Limit Example	Monitoring Frequency	Verification Method
Tuna Mahi Mahi Anchovies	Scombrotoxin Histamine	Receiving Temperature	Internal temp ≤ 4.4°C at receipt	Every lot	Review temperature logs histamine testing
Raw Molluscan Shellfish	Vibrio Norovirus	Harvest Area Control	Approved classification open status	Every harvest	Shellstock tags state patrol records
Finfish for Raw Consumption	Parasites	Freezing	-20°C for 7 days or -35°C for 15 hours	Every batch	Freezer charts temperature probes
Tropical Reef Fish	Ciguatera Toxin	Species Size Harvest Area	Exclude high risk species areas sizes	Every lot	Supplier certification traceability
Farmed Shrimp Salmon Pangasius	Aquaculture Drug Residues	Medicated Feed Withdrawal Testing	Residues below FDA tolerance action levels	Every production cycle	Lab certificates third party audit

The table above maps major species groups to their primary hazards typical critical control points and verification methods importers use to satisfy 21 CFR 123. Each row reflects a distinct hazard pathway requiring specific monitoring records the importer must collect and review before and during importation. Importers should align their supplier approval checklists with these species specific requirements to avoid entry delays.

Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and Supplier Approval

How to verify foreign seafood processors for HACCP compliance centers on the Foreign Supplier Verification Program mandated by 21 CFR 1.500 which places legal responsibility on the U.S. importer to confirm that each foreign supplier produces food in compliance with applicable FDA safety standards including the seafood HACCP regulation. The United States imported more than 79 percent of the seafood consumed domestically in 2020 according to USDA ERS making FSVP the primary gatekeeper for the vast majority of seafood entering U.S. commerce. The FSVP importer must develop maintain and follow a written program for each approved supplier covering hazard analysis supplier evaluation verification activities and corrective actions.

FSVP importer responsibilities

FSVP importer responsibilities include identifying the FSVP importer at entry by name and DUNS number evaluating the risk posed by each food and supplier based on hazard analysis and supplier compliance history establishing and documenting written verification procedures conducting supplier verification activities such as onsite audits sampling and testing or review of supplier food safety records and taking corrective actions when verification reveals noncompliance. The FSVP importer must also reassess the program at least every three years or sooner when new hazards or supplier changes arise. FSVP records must be retained for two years and provided to FDA within 24 hours of a request.

Third-party certification recognition

Third-party certification recognition allows importers to leverage audits conducted under recognized schemes such as BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard SQF Code GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture Standard and IFS Food to satisfy part of their FSVP verification obligations. FDA does not formally approve certification bodies but expects the audit standard to cover the relevant FDA regulatory requirements including seafood HACCP. Importers must still review the audit report confirm the scope covers the specific products and hazards verify corrective actions for any nonconformities and document their reliance on the certification in the FSVP records. Certification alone does not replace the importer's duty to ensure ongoing compliance.

Supplier audit and approval workflow

Supplier audit and approval workflow begins with a documented supplier questionnaire covering HACCP plan scope hazard analysis CCP monitoring records traceability recall capability and regulatory compliance history. The importer then conducts a desktop review of the foreign processor HACCP plan monitoring logs corrective action records and third-party audit reports if available. High risk suppliers or new relationships typically trigger an onsite audit by a qualified auditor using a standardized checklist aligned with 21 CFR 123 and 1.500. The importer maintains an approved supplier list with approval dates scope of approval and next reassessment date. Any supplier failing to meet verification criteria is placed on hold pending corrective action verification.

NOAA NMFS SIMP Species Coverage Key Data Elements and IFTP Licensing

The Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) requires importers to report specific key data elements (KDEs) for 13 at-risk species groups to combat illegal unreported and unregulated fishing. U.S. seafood imports exceeded exports by $20.3 billion in 2023 according to USDA ERS. The program covers species from harvest to entry and mandates an International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) for each shipment. Importers must maintain chain of custody documentation linking the product to the harvest vessel and landing event.

SIMP species groups and KDEs table

The 13 SIMP species groups each carry distinct key data element requirements that importers must report through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The table below maps each group to its required KDEs including harvest vessel name flag state catch area landing date and product form. Compliance demands accurate data at the point of entry to avoid detention.

SIMP Species Group	Harvest Vessel Name	Flag State	Catch Area (FAO)	Landing Date	Product Form
Abalone	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Atlantic Cod	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Blue Crab (Atlantic)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Grouper	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
King Crab (Red)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Pacific Cod	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Red Snapper	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Sea Cucumber	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Shark	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Shrimp	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Swordfish	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Tuna (Albacore Bigeye Skipjack Yellowfin)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required

IFTP application and renewal

The International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) is mandatory for any entity importing SIMP-covered species. Applicants submit Form NOAA 370 through the NOAA Fisheries permit portal providing business identity principal officers and a bond. The permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually before expiration. A lapsed IFTP blocks entry filing in ACE for all SIMP species. Importers should initiate renewal at least 30 days prior to expiry to avoid coverage gaps.

Chain of custody from harvest to entry

Chain of custody documentation links each shipment to the original harvest event through landing records transport documents and processing certificates. Importers must collect the harvest vessel trip report the dealer landing receipt and all subsequent bills of lading. Gaps in this documentation trigger SIMP noncompliance holds at the port of entry. Digital traceability systems that capture KDEs at each handoff reduce the risk of missing or mismatched data during CBP examination.

US Fish and Wildlife Service eDecs Filing CITES and Permits

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regulates the import of wildlife including certain seafood species under CITES and the Lacey Act. Importers file Declaration Form 3-177 electronically via the eDecs system before or at the time of entry. FWS requires an import license for commercial shipments and specific permits for species listed under CITES Appendices I II or III. Injurious wildlife listings under 50 CFR 16 restrict certain live aquatic animals regardless of food use.

eDecs filing workflow

eDecs filing begins with an FWS import license application (Form 3-200-3b) which must be approved before any commercial wildlife shipment arrives. Once licensed the importer or broker creates a declaration in eDecs entering the shipment details species scientific names quantities country of origin and CITES permit numbers. The declaration generates a confirmation number that must be provided to CBP on the entry manifest. FWS may inspect the shipment at designated ports before releasing it to the importer.

CITES and injurious species permits

CITES permits are required for species such as sturgeon caviar (Acipenseriformes) queen conch (Strombus gigas) and certain sharks listed in Appendix II. The foreign exporting country must issue a valid CITES export permit or re-export certificate before the U.S. importer applies for a CITES import permit (Form 3-200-22). Injurious species listed under 50 CFR 16.13 including certain snakeheads and mitten crabs are prohibited from import without a specific FWS permit for scientific medical educational or zoological purposes. Commercial food imports of injurious species are not authorized.

FWS import license maintenance

The FWS import license is valid for one year and expires on December 31 regardless of issue date. License holders must renew annually by submitting Form 3-200-3b and the applicable fee before the expiration date. A lapsed license invalidates all pending eDecs declarations and blocks new filings. Importers should track license status in their compliance calendar and submit renewal at least 60 days before year end. Changes in business structure ownership or address require an amended license application within 30 days of the change.

CBP Entry Process ACE PGA Filing ISF-10+2 and Bonds

Filing a customs entry for seafood imports requires coordinating CBP Form 3461 for entry summary, CBP Form 7501 for entry summary with estimated duties, ISF-10+2 security filing, and Automated Commercial Environment PGA message sets for FDA, NMFS, and FWS. A continuous bond covering 10 percent of estimated annual duties, taxes, and fees is standard for regular importers. Single transaction bonds apply to occasional shipments. Accurate HTS classification under Chapter 03, 16, or 23 determines duty rates and PGA requirements. Common rejection codes include PGA data mismatch, missing prior notice confirmation, and invalid SIMP key data elements. Importers must resolve holds before cargo release.

ACE PGA message set mapping

ACE PGA message set mapping aligns each agency data requirement to a specific PGA record identifier in the ACE entry filing. FDA requires PG01 for agency code, PG02 for product code, PG06 for HACCP affirmation, PG10 for prior notice confirmation, and PG19 for entity role. NMFS SIMP requires PG01, PG02, PG06 for catch certificate data, PG10 for harvest area, and PG19 for importer of record. FWS eDecs requires PG01, PG02, PG06 for CITES permit numbers, PG10 for species scientific name, and PG19 for port of clearance. Each agency validates its segment independently; a single rejection blocks the entire entry. Brokers typically build a master template per product and country to ensure consistent mapping across shipments.

ISF-10+2 filing deadlines

ISF-10+2 filing deadlines require the importer security filing 10 data elements no later than 24 hours before the vessel is loaded at the foreign port. The carrier provides the additional 2 vessel stow plan and container status messages no later than 48 hours after departure. For seafood moving on short transit lanes such as Mexico to California or Canada to Seattle, the 24-hour pre-loading window often closes before the supplier confirms the booking. Importers should authorize their customs broker to file ISF upon booking confirmation using estimated container numbers and update the filing with actual container numbers once the carrier issues the equipment list. Late ISF filing incurs a $5,000 penalty per violation and can trigger a do-not-load order at the foreign port.

Bond types and coverage amounts

Bond types and coverage amounts depend on import frequency and regulatory risk. A continuous bond with a minimum $50,000 coverage satisfies CBP requirements for most seafood importers and covers ISF penalties, duty deferral, and PGA compliance. Single transaction bonds equal the entered value plus estimated duties, taxes, and fees for one entry. Importers subject to FDA detention history or SIMP audits often increase continuous bond coverage to $100,000 or $200,000 to avoid insufficient bond holds. The bond must remain active for the entire period cargo is in CBP custody including exams, lab sampling, and detention appeals. A lapsed bond stops all releases until a new bond is filed and accepted in ACE.

Bond Type	Minimum Coverage	Best For	Renewal	Key Risk if Lapsed
Continuous Bond	$50,000	Regular importers (10+ entries/year)	Annual	All pending entries held
Single Transaction Bond	Entered value + duties	Occasional importers (<10 entries/year)	Per entry	Entry cannot be filed
High-Risk Continuous	$100,000-$200,000	Importers with FDA/NMFS detention history	Annual	Insufficient bond hold on exams

The table above compares bond options for seafood importers. Continuous bonds at $50,000 cover standard duty deferral and ISF liability for regular importers. Single transaction bonds suit low-volume importers but require a new bond per entry. High-risk continuous bonds at $100,000 to $200,000 provide headroom for importers with prior FDA detention or NMFS audit findings where exam and storage costs accumulate quickly. All bonds renew annually; a lapsed bond freezes every pending entry in ACE until a new bond is accepted.

Country-Specific Protocols EU China Mexico Russia and Others

Importing seafood to the USA from Europe, China, Mexico, Russia, and other origins requires navigating distinct regulatory frameworks. The EU benefits from mutual recognition on veterinary health certificates and SIMP catch certification alignment. China faces FDA Import Alerts 16-131 and 16-81 plus Section 301 tariffs up to 25 percent. Mexico shrimp imports are restricted by vaquita refuge protections under the MMPA comparability finding. Russia seafood is prohibited under Executive Order 14114. Each country protocol dictates documentation, eligibility, and risk profile.

EU mutual recognition advantages

EU mutual recognition advantages streamline seafood imports through aligned veterinary health certificates and SIMP catch documentation. The EU-US veterinary equivalence agreement allows EU member state competent authorities to issue health certificates that FDA accepts without additional attestation for most finfish and crustaceans. SIMP catch certificates issued by EU flag states satisfy NMFS key data elements for harvest vessel, area, and date. Importers must still file prior notice, submit ACE PGA message sets for FDA and NMFS, and hold a valid HACCP plan for each product. The EU catch certificate must accompany the shipment and match the commercial invoice species and weight. Discrepancies trigger NMFS verification requests that delay release by 5 to 10 business days.

China detention risks and tariffs

China detention risks and tariffs create the highest compliance burden for seafood importers. FDA Import Alert 16-131 mandates detention without physical examination for aquaculture shrimp, catfish, eel, and tilapia from China due to unapproved drug residues. Import Alert 16-81 covers histamine-forming species such as mahi-mahi and tuna. Section 301 tariffs add 25 percent ad valorem duty on most HTS 03 and 16 seafood codes from China. Importers must provide third-party lab certificates for each lot covering chloramphenicol, nitrofurans, malachite green, and fluoroquinolones. FDA may still sample at the port. Continuous bond coverage of $200,000 is typical for China-origin seafood to cover exam storage and potential re-export costs.

Mexico and Russia prohibitions

Mexico and Russia prohibitions block major seafood categories entirely. Mexico wild-caught shrimp from the Gulf of California is prohibited under the MMPA comparability finding due to vaquita bycatch concerns. Only shrimp from aquaculture or from fisheries with a valid MMPA comparability certification may enter. Russia seafood including crab, pollock, and salmon is prohibited under Executive Order 14114 implementing sanctions for the Ukraine invasion. The prohibition covers all Russian-origin seafood regardless of processing location. Importers must verify country of origin through NMFS SIMP traceability and CBP marking requirements. Transshipment through third countries does not remove the Russian-origin taint. Violations trigger seizure and forfeiture.

Country	Key Restriction	Primary Alert or Order	Documentation Required	Typical Bond Increase
EU	Veterinary equivalence recognized	EU-US Veterinary Agreement	EU health certificate, SIMP catch certificate	Standard $50,000
China	Import Alerts 16-131, 16-81 + 25% tariff	FDA Import Alerts, Section 301	Third-party lab certificates per lot	$200,000+
Mexico	Wild shrimp prohibited (vaquita)	MMPA Comparability Finding	MMPA certification or aquaculture proof	Standard $50,000
Russia	All seafood prohibited	EO 14114	Origin verification, no entry permitted	N/A

The table above summarizes country-specific protocols for major seafood origins. The EU offers the smoothest pathway with recognized health certificates and SIMP alignment. China requires lot-by-lot lab testing and carries 25 percent Section 301 tariffs plus FDA Import Alert detention risk. Mexico wild shrimp from the Gulf of California is prohibited under the MMPA vaquita finding; only certified aquaculture or compliant fisheries may enter. Russia seafood is fully prohibited under Executive Order 14114 with no exceptions for transshipment. Bond coverage should reflect the exam and storage risk profile of each origin.

Aquarium and Ornamental Fish Non-Food Import Pathway

FWS permit requirements for ornamentals

Importing aquarium fish requires a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) import/export license and a Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (Form 3-177) filed through the eDecs system. Species listed under CITES Appendix I, II, or III require valid CITES export permits from the foreign management authority and corresponding U.S. CITES import permits for Appendix I species. Injurious wildlife listed under 50 CFR 16 (such as snakehead species or certain carp) cannot be imported without a specific injurious wildlife permit issued for scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes. Every shipment must be declared at a designated FWS port of entry unless a port exception permit has been granted in advance.

USDA veterinary health permits

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services (USDA VS) regulates live fish imports to prevent aquatic animal disease introduction. A USDA VS import permit (VS Form 17-129) is required for most live ornamental fish, accompanied by an official health certificate from the exporting country's competent veterinary authority certifying freedom from OIE-listed diseases such as Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC) or Koi Herpesvirus (KHV). The health certificate must be issued within the validity window specified on the permit, typically 30 days. Shipments transiting through third countries require additional transit permits and must remain sealed in original packaging to maintain biosecurity integrity.

FDA food-use exemption criteria

FDA regulates seafood under the HACCP regulation (21 CFR 123) only when the product is intended for human or animal consumption. Ornamental fish sold exclusively for aquarium display qualify for the non-food use exemption if the importer maintains documentation demonstrating the species is not marketed, labeled, or distributed as food. This includes invoices marked "ornamental use only," species commonly recognized in the aquarium trade (such as neon tetras, discus, or marine angelfish), and distribution channels limited to pet stores or hobbyist suppliers. If any portion of a shipment is diverted to food markets, the entire consignment becomes subject to full seafood HACCP requirements including Prior Notice and foreign supplier verification.

Perishable Logistics Prior Notice Timing Cold Chain and Exams

Prior Notice timing for perishables

FDA Prior Notice must be submitted electronically through the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or via the ACE PGA message set before the shipment arrives at the first U.S. port of entry. For perishable seafood arriving by air, Prior Notice is required no later than two hours before arrival. For vessel shipments, the deadline is four hours before arrival, and for rail or truck, it is two hours before crossing the border. Importers filing through ACE can submit Prior Notice concurrently with the entry summary (CBP Form 7501) using the PGA message set, which satisfies both CBP and FDA requirements in a single filing. Failure to meet these windows results in automatic refusal of entry and mandatory holding at the port.

Cold chain documentation

Continuous temperature monitoring from harvest through delivery is mandatory for FDA compliance and buyer specifications. Digital data loggers placed in each container or pallet must record temperature at intervals no greater than 30 minutes, with data downloadable in CSV or PDF format for FDA review during examination. The HACCP plan must define critical limits for each species (for example, frozen tuna at -4°F or colder, fresh salmon at 32°F to 34°F). Bills of lading, carrier temperature logs, and receiver temperature certificates at delivery form the cold chain evidence package. Any temperature excursion above the critical limit triggers a HACCP deviation record and may require laboratory histamine testing for scombrotoxin-forming species before release.

Exam types and release workflows

CBP and FDA use a risk-based targeting system to select shipments for examination. A VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) scan is non-intrusive and typically clears within hours. An intensive exam requires physical opening of the container at a Centralized Examination Station (CES), where FDA officers collect samples for histamine, decomposition, or pathogen testing. Perishable exams are prioritized for same-day processing at major ports like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Importers should pre-arrange CES appointments and maintain a bonded warehouse near the port to minimize detention storage fees that accrue after free time expires. Release occurs only after lab results confirm compliance or the importer provides a third-party lab certificate from an FDA-accepted laboratory.

Conclusion

Importing seafood into the United States demands a coordinated compliance system where FDA HACCP verification, FSVP documentation, NOAA SIMP reporting, FWS licensing, and CBP entry filings must align for every shipment. Importers should maintain species-specific hazard analyses, written FSVP procedures with DUNS identification at entry, complete SIMP key data elements for covered species, valid IFTP and FWS licenses, and accurate ACE PGA message sets supported by a sufficient continuous bond.

Build a master checklist that maps each product to its regulatory track so missing records are caught before the vessel sails. For ongoing supplier discovery and market intelligence, visit Global Trade Plaza.

Related reading: Turmeric Export to USA: Process, Logistics & Compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

how to import fish to usa

Importing fish to the USA requires FDA facility registration, a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) importer on record, and compliance with seafood HACCP (21 CFR 123). You must file Prior Notice with FDA before arrival and submit CBP entry data via ACE including PGA message sets for FDA and NMFS. A continuous customs bond of at least $50,000 covers regular commercial shipments.

how to import frozen fish to usa

Frozen fish imports follow the same FDA HACCP and FSVP framework but require documented temperature control records throughout transit to verify the cold chain. Importers must confirm the foreign processor’s HACCP plan controls histamine in scombrotoxin-forming species and parasites in fish intended for raw consumption. Freezing records must meet FDA parasite destruction parameters if the product is sold ready-to-eat.

how to import aquarium fish to usa

Aquarium fish are live ornamental species regulated primarily by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) rather than FDA seafood HACCP. You need an FWS import license, must file an eDecs declaration (Form 3-177) at entry, and require CITES permits for listed species such as seahorses or certain corals. A veterinary health certificate from the exporting country is often required by FWS port inspectors.

how to import seafood to usa from europe

Seafood from the EU must meet all standard FDA HACCP, FSVP, and SIMP requirements plus any species-specific EU export certificates. The EU Competent Authority issues health certificates for bivalve mollusks and certain fishery products that FDA reviews at entry. Importers should verify the EU establishment number on the certificate matches the FSVP supplier approval records.

can i bring seafood to usa

Personal travelers may bring limited quantities of seafood for personal use but all products are subject to inspection and must be declared on CBP Form 6059B. Fresh, frozen, or cooked fish is generally admissible in reasonable amounts; however, bushmeat, endangered species, and products from restricted countries are prohibited. Commercial quantities require formal entry, bonds, and full regulatory compliance.

how to import seafood to usa requirements

Core requirements are FDA facility registration for the foreign processor, a U.S. FSVP importer with a DUNS number, a written HACCP verification plan per 21 CFR 123, and Prior Notice filing before arrival. CBP entry requires an International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) for SIMP-listed species, ISF-10+2 filing 24 hours pre-loading, and a continuous bond. FWS license and eDecs filing apply to all fish and wildlife entries.

how to import seafood to usa documents required

Standard documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, FDA Prior Notice confirmation, foreign processor HACCP plan and monitoring records, FSVP verification records, and a certificate of origin. SIMP species require the IFTP number and key data elements (harvest vessel, catch area, landing date). FWS Form 3-177 and CITES permits are needed for listed species.

how to import seafood to usa documents online

All mandatory filings are electronic: FDA Prior Notice via the PNSI system, CBP entry and PGA message sets through ACE, ISF-10+2 via ACE or AMS, and FWS eDecs through the eDecs portal. SIMP key data elements are submitted in the ACE PGA message set at entry. Importers typically use a customs broker or filer with ACE access to transmit these datasets.

how to import seafood to usa documents from germany

German exporters provide EU health certificates for fishery products and bivalve mollusks issued by the German Competent Authority (BVL or state veterinary offices). The certificate must list the EU approval number, vessel name, catch area, and product description matching the commercial invoice. Importers file these certificates in ACE PGA message sets alongside the IFTP and FSVP records.

how to import seafood to usa documents from china

Chinese exporters must provide a health certificate from the General Administration of Customs (GACC) for aquatic products and a Certificate of Registration for the processing establishment. FDA requires the Chinese registration number (CN code) on the Prior Notice and entry filing. Importers should verify the establishment appears on the GACC approved list and that HACCP records cover drug residues for farmed species like shrimp or tilapia.

what is SIMP and which species require it

The Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) is a NOAA traceability rule requiring key data elements (harvest vessel, flag state, catch area, landing date, product form) reported via ACE for 13 at-risk groups. Covered groups include abalone, Atlantic cod, blue crab (Atlantic), dolphinfish (mahi mahi), grouper, king crab, Pacific cod, red snapper, sea cucumber, shark, shrimp, swordfish, and tuna (albacore, bigeye, skipjack, yellowfin, bluefin).

how to file Prior Notice for seafood

File Prior Notice through the FDA Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or via the ACE PGA message set at entry. You need the FDA facility registration number of the foreign processor, product description, quantity, lot codes, country of origin, shipper, and anticipated entry location and time. Confirmation must be received before the shipment arrives at the U.S. port of entry.

Sources

• USDA ERS (2023): US seafood imports (value)
• USDA ERS (2023): US seafood trade deficit