Draft Implementation Guide for NMFS Certification of Admissibility (COA) is now available

CSMS # 54077767 - Draft Implementation Guide for NMFS Certification of Admissibility (COA) is now available U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 11/21/2022 11:58 AM EST CSMS # 54077767 - Draft Implementation Guide for NMFS Certification of Admissibility (COA) is now available The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a draft Implementation Guide (IG) with the expected message set requirements and business rules for the COA program.  The document can be found in the ‘Draft Chapters: Future Capabilities’ section located here: cbp.gov/trade/ace/catair NMFS will issue a proposed rule and request public comment on the information collection and the implementation of the COA program in ACE.  After the rulemaking is completed, NMFS will issue a final IG, anticipated for early January 2023. Given input already received through an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, NMFS does not expect the final IG will change in any significant manner. NMFS and CBP plan to deploy the COA program in ACE certification in April 2023, and in ACE production in May 2023. Information on the NMFS COA program as currently implemented for several fish products from Mexico can be viewed here: fisheries.noaa.gov/foreign/marine-mammal-protection/seafood-import-restrictions For questions related to the COA program, please contact:  christopher.rogers@noaa.gov Additional information about NMFS’ Certification of Admissibility: Under the authority of several statutes, the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may prohibit imports of designated fish products caught in certain foreign fisheries operating in a manner inconsistent with U.S. standards.  When an import restriction is imposed, NMFS will work with CBP to identify the targeted country of origin and develop a list of the affected HTS codes. Shipments from the country of origin filed under the listed HTS codes are eligible for entry only if accompanied by Certification of Admissibility (COA) that attests to the manner and location of the fish harvest. If the foreign nation addresses the fishing issues of concern to the United States, the embargo would be lifted, and the COA would no longer be required for entries under the identified HTS codes for that country of origin. NMFS is working with CBP to automate the process of imposing and lifting seafood trade sanctions through this COA message set described in the draft IG and through document image requirements in ACE. This message is a follow up from CSMS #52727444 sent July 21, 2022.