Advance Notice: Automating Seafood Import Procedures and Certifications
Trade Update • August 2, 2022
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) intends to revise regulations concerning the Certification of Admissibility (COA) program used to allow the entry of certain fish or fish products otherwise subject to trade restrictions.
Specifically, NMFS is considering automating the submission of COA information through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), which is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Before drafting a proposed rule, the NMFS has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking requesting input from importers, exporters, and customs brokers on:
- The reporting and recordkeeping burden of the certification of admissibility,
- The procedures for using certification in the entry filing process, and
- Ways to reduce the reporting burden and expedite the release of admissible shipments through the ACE single window portal.
Based on comments received and NMFS’ overall assessment of concerns raised, NMFS will develop the proposed rule to revise and automate the submission of COA information.
Submit Your Comments
Comments on and concerns about the proposed ruling are due no later than August 24, 2022, and may be submitted via one of the following methods:
- Electronic Submission:
Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
and enter NOAA-NMFS-2022-0057 in the Search box. Click on the “Comment” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
- Mail:
Submit written comments to Christopher Rogers, Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway (F/IS5), Silver Spring, MD 20910.
For questions about this potential upcoming change please contact us.
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