The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that effective September 20, 2016, a new consolidated International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) will be required for the import, export, or re-export of goods subject to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tuna Tracking Program.
In addition, the International Fisheries Trade Permit will be used to replace the two below listed NMFS forms:
- The Highly Migratory Species (HMS) International Trade Permit
- The Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMR) Dealer Permit
This new IFTP permit must be applied for by a US resident importer, or their agent, and renewed annually. The permit number will be transmitted electronically when importing subject goods.
This is in alignment with the September 20, 2016, NMFS requirements to file an electronic message set when transmitting import entry information using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), and upload images of required documents to CBP’s Document Imaging System (DIS).
Tuna Tracking Program
Along with the new requirement for an ITFP, a NOAA-370 form is required to import frozen or processed tuna/tuna products (not for fresh tuna), to ensure it was caught using dolphin safe means.
The NOAA 370 form data and the IFTP permit number will be filed electronically, with images of the 370 form and at least one other supporting form (the Captain’s Statement, Observer’s Statement, and the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) Member Nation Certification) uploaded to DIS.
The Highly Migratory Species Program covers bluefin and bigeye tuna, swordfish, and shark fins; and the Antarctic Marine Resources Program covers toothfish and krill. These programs require the new IFTP permit number and other catch data be filed electronically, with images of other supporting forms uploaded to DIS.
Further details may be found within the NMFS FAQ.
If you have any questions regarding the new NMFS requirements, Livingston can help! Please contact either your Livingston account manager or our regulatory affairs department at usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com.