International Fisheries Trade Permit
About
The International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP), effective September 20, 2016, is required for the import, export, or re-export of fishery products subject to the NOAA Fisheries trade monitoring programs. The new consolidated permit facilitates the transition from paper-based trade documentation programs to the electronic reporting system (Automated Commercial Environment or ACE) operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The International Fisheries Trade Permit replaced these two permits:
- The Highly Migratory Species (HMS) International Trade Permit
- The Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMR) Dealer Permit
Additionally,the new regulations made the IFTP a requirement for two other trade monitoring programs:
- The Tuna Tracking and Verification Program (TTVP) or NOAA Form 370 program
- The Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP)
The consolidation of international trade permits, under the IFTP, provides a more streamlined and cost-effective approach for collecting import and export documentation. For importers and exporters, this means that only one permit is required to trade in any species included under any of the four trade monitoring programs.
Instructions
How to Apply
The IFTP permit must be applied for by a U.S. resident importer, exporter, or their U.S. resident agent, and renewed annually. The permit number must be transmitted electronically when filing an entry or export declaration for any of the fish products subject to monitoring.
To apply for the IFTP, importers and exporters must visit the NOAA Fisheries National Permit System website: https://fisheriespermits.noaa.gov/npspub
[The National Permit System (NPS) is a computer based system accessible through the internet twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.]