WELCOME TO THE ONLINE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
FOR THE IMPORTATION OF TUNA
This online Compliance Guide summarizes the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS)
permitting and reporting requirements associated with the importation of tunas of the
genus Thunnus and for skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis or Euthynnus pelamis). If there is a
discrepancy between the regulations and this guide, the regulations (50
CFR 216.24(f); 50
CFR Part 216, Subpart H; 50
CFR Part 300, Subpart M; and/or 50
CFR 635, Subpart D) will take precedence.
In addition, NMFS is responsible for the enforcement of embargoes of imported tuna. The
embargoes apply to yellowfin tuna and
yellowfin tuna products harvested by purse seine in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
(by certain nations) and to Atlantic
bigeye tuna harvested by Bolivian or Georgian vessels. It is highly
recommended you confirm the product you intend to import is not subject to an embargo
before purchasing.
Failure to comply with the requirements and deadlines of the
import monitoring programs detailed below is a violation of federal
law for which significant penalties, including forfeiture of
imported product, may be assessed. All such violations are
referred to the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement for appropriate
action. If you believe you may have violated federal law, NMFS
strongly recommends that you immediately self-report the violation
to the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement.
As a reference, the common name and
scientific name for tuna species are shown below:
Albacore - Thunnus alalunga
Bigeye - Thunnus obesus
Blackfin - Thunnus atlanticus
Bluefin, Atlantic - Thunnus thynnus
Bluefin, Pacific - Thunnus orientalis (also
known as Thunnus thynnus orientalis)
Bluefin, Southern - Thunnus maccoyii
Longtail - Thunnus tonggol
Skipjack - Katsuwonus pelamis (also known as
Euthynnus pelamis)
Yellowfin - Thunnus albacares |
To begin using this online compliance guide, click on the link that
answers the following question:
"What type of tuna product are you
importing?"
Fresh Product
Now, "What tuna species are you
importing?"
- If Atlantic Bluefin, Pacific Bluefin, or Southern Bluefin ...
The importation is covered by the regulations for the International Trade Permit.
- If it is a tuna species other than Atlantic Bluefin, Pacific Bluefin, or
Southern Bluefin ...
There are no NMFS import monitoring programs associated with your product (No
NMFS forms or permits required).
Thank you for verifying!
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Frozen Product
Now, "What tuna species are you
importing?" (Please select from one of the
three choices shown below)
- If Bigeye, "Is it destined for canneries?"
Yes - A
NOAA
Form 370 is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs and
Border Protection at the time of importation. Also, within 10
days of importation a copy of the NOAA Form 370 is to be
submitted to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program. Click
here to see a list of applicable
Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers for the NOAA Form 370.
No - The importation is regulated by two NMFS import
monitoring programs.
- A
NOAA Form 370 is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs
and Border Protection at the time of importation. Also, within
10 days of importation a copy of the NOAA Form 370 is to be
submitted to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program. Click
here to see a list of applicable
Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers for the NOAA Form 370.
- The importation is also regulated by the International Trade Permit program.
- If Atlantic Bluefin, Pacific Bluefin, or Southern Bluefin ...
The importation is regulated by two NMFS import
monitoring programs.
- A
NOAA Form 370 is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs
and Border Protection at the time of importation. Also, within
10 days of importation a copy of the NOAA Form 370 is to be
submitted to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program. Click
here to see a list of applicable
Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers for the NOAA Form 370.
- The importation is also regulated by the International Trade Permit program.
- If it is a tuna species other than Bigeye, Atlantic Bluefin, Pacific Bluefin, or
Southern Bluefin ...
A
NOAA Form 370 is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs
and Border Protection at the time of importation. Also, within
10 days of importation a copy of the NOAA Form 370 is to be
submitted to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program. Click
here to see a list of applicable
Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers for the NOAA Form 370.
[Back to the top]
In Airtight Containers
or
Prepared or Preserved
Loins
or
Balls and Cakes
Now, "Does your product contain Atlantic
Bluefin, Pacific Bluefin, or Southern Bluefin tuna?"
- Yes - The importation is regulated by two
NMFS import monitoring programs.
- A
NOAA Form 370 is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs
and Border Protection at the time of importation. Also, within
10 days of importation a copy of the NOAA Form 370 is to be
submitted to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program. Click
here to see a list of applicable
Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers for the NOAA Form 370.
- The importation is also regulated by the International Trade Permit program.
- No - A
NOAA
Form 370 is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs and
Border Protection at the time of importation. Also, within 10
days of importation a copy of the NOAA Form 370 is to be
submitted to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program. Click
here to see a list of applicable
Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers for the NOAA Form 370.
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