This message serves as a follow-up to CSMS # 67055632, providing further clarification on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries' Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) seafood import restrictions, effective January 1, 2026. A Certification of Admissibility (COA) is required for certain fish and fish products to attest they are not subject to MMPA import restrictions.
How to Complete the Certification of Admissibility (COA):
Authorized Official Completion: An authorized official or agent from the harvesting or exporting nation must complete and certify the COA form.
Required Information: The form requires the following data:
U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Number
Species Description and Product Form (in English)
Weight (in kilograms)
Fishing Gear Used
Vessel Flag
Vessel Name(s) and Number(s)
For aquaculture product: "AQ" should be indicated under fishing gear, country of facility under vessel flag, and facility name under vessel name.
U.S. Importer Certification: The U.S. Importer of Record must also sign and certify that the information on the form accurately describes the fish/fish products. This final certification must be submitted within 24 hours after the shipment is released.
COA Filing Requirements:
The COA must be submitted electronically through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal via the Document Imaging System (DIS). Read More→
https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-4075785?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2
