Implementation of MMPA Import Provisions: Comparability Findings, Import Restrictions, and Certification of Admissibility

NOAA Fisheries has announced comparability finding determinations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for all foreign fisheries exporting to the United States. Starting January 1, 2026, imports from fisheries denied a comparability finding will be prohibited. These trade restrictions will remain in place until revised, and affected imports will require a Certification of Admissibility.

The MMPA requires the U.S. to ban imports of fish and fish products caught with fishing methods that kill or seriously injure marine mammals beyond U.S. standards. To enforce this, NOAA Fisheries issued a final rule in 2016 establishing a process to evaluate other nations’ regulatory programs and published the List of Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) in 2020. The LOFF classifies foreign fisheries as either “Exempt” (no or remote likelihood of marine mammal bycatch) or “Export” (more than a remote likelihood or insufficient data), determining their eligibility to export to the United States.