Importing and Exporting Seafood Commodities

Several U.S. agencies regulate the trade of seafood commodities. This is a clearinghouse of information and provides links to seafood trade programs that are administered under the authority of NOAA Fisheries and other U.S. agencies.

Import Program Requirements

NOAA Fisheries

• Patagonia and Antarctic Toothfish (Chilean Sea Bass) Import Information

• Tuna Tracking and Verification Program

• International Trade Permits (Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Frozen Bigeye Tuna, Shark Fins)

• Tuna/Dolphin Embargo Status Updates

• Seafood Import and Export Tool

Other U.S. Agencies

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• FDA Imported Seafood Safety Program

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• A Guide for Commercial Importers (Note: states may have additional requirements)

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (see also: Permits)

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – The Imported Seafood Safety Program

Export Program Requirements

NOAA Fisheries

• Seafood Inspection Program

• Export Information by Jurisdiction

• International Trade Permits (Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Frozen Bigeye Tuna, Shark Fins)

Other U.S. Agencies

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Note: states may have additional requirements)

Specific Commodities

The U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service is the implementing agency when certain fishery products require specific documentation certifying their safety, purity, and accordance with U.S. or foreign government regulations.

Seafood Trade Statistics

• Imports and Exports of Fishery Products

• U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics

• FishWatch.gov: U.S. Seafood Facts

• U.S. Census Bureau: Foreign Trade

• Food Export Association of the USA

Other Links

• Identifying Seafood Fraud