Which Seafood Imports Require NOAA COA for the US Market?

Which Seafood Imports Require NOAA COA for Entry into the United States?

Exporting seafood to the United States can be highly profitable. However, strict documentation and traceability rules apply to many species. Among the most critical requirements is the NOAA Seafood Certificate of Admissibility (COA).

Many exporters assume all seafood requires a COA. In reality, only specific regulated species fall under NOAA’s Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). Nevertheless, if your shipment includes those species and lacks proper documentation, US authorities can deny entry immediately.

Therefore, understanding which seafood imports require NOAA COA helps exporters prevent costly shipment delays and rejections.

Why NOAA Requires COA for Certain Seafood

NOAA introduced the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The agency also aims to improve supply chain transparency and protect marine ecosystems.

As a result, US authorities closely monitor high-risk seafood species. Importers must submit detailed harvest and supply chain data through the COA system before the products enter the US.

Without verified documentation, regulated seafood cannot legally enter American markets.

Seafood Species That Typically Require NOAA COA

NOAA targets species with higher risks of illegal harvesting or mislabeling. While the list may expand, the following commonly require COA documentation:

Tuna Species

Many tuna varieties fall under SIMP monitoring, including:

• Bluefin tuna

• Yellowfin tuna

• Bigeye tuna

• Albacore

Because tuna remains one of the most traded seafood globally, authorities enforce strict traceability rules.

Swordfish

Swordfish imports must include detailed harvest location and vessel information. Any discrepancy between documents can trigger inspection or rejection.

Grouper and Snapper

These reef fish species often face mislabeling issues. Therefore, NOAA requires:

• Scientific species identification

• Catch method

• Harvest region documentation

Crab and Shrimp

Crab and shrimp represent major global seafood exports. However, they also face illegal harvesting concerns. Exporters must provide:

• Vessel records

• Processing details

• Transport documentation

Other Regulated Species

Additional monitored seafood may include:

• Abalone

• Sea cucumber

• Certain reef fish

• Sharks (specific species)

Because regulations change periodically, exporters should always verify the current NOAA SIMP list before shipping.

Processed Seafood Still Requires Documentation

Some exporters believe processed seafood avoids COA requirements. However, processing does not remove traceability obligations.

For example:

• Frozen tuna fillets still require harvest data

• Cooked crab still needs vessel information

• Processed shrimp still requires supply chain records

If the original species falls under SIMP monitoring, NOAA still requires documentation.

Therefore, exporters must maintain traceability from harvest to final packaging.

What Happens If Regulated Seafood Arrives Without COA?

If regulated seafood arrives at a US port without proper documentation, authorities may:

• Hold the shipment for inspection

• Request additional documents

• Delay customs clearance

• Deny entry

• Order destruction or re-export

These outcomes can cause severe financial losses. In addition, importers may hesitate to work with exporters who repeatedly face compliance issues.

How Exporters Can Verify COA Requirements Before Shipping

To prevent shipment rejection, exporters should take several proactive steps.

First, confirm whether the species falls under NOAA SIMP monitoring.
Next, coordinate with the US importer of record.
Then, prepare harvest and chain-of-custody documentation early.
Finally, store seafood in compliant facilities while paperwork is completed.

By following this sequence, exporters reduce last-minute compliance risks.

The Role of Cold Storage in COA-Ready Shipments

Although NOAA focuses on legality and traceability, product quality still matters during inspection. Poor storage conditions can raise concerns and trigger additional checks.

Professional cold storage helps exporters:

• Maintain stable temperatures

• Protect product integrity

• Organize inventory by shipment

• Prevent contamination

• Prepare for inspection readiness

Moreover, well-managed storage ensures documentation matches actual cargo.

Final Thoughts

Knowing which seafood imports require NOAA COA is essential for any exporter targeting the US market. Regulated species demand full traceability and accurate documentation. Without proper preparation, shipments face delays, rejection, or financial loss.

However, exporters who verify requirements early and maintain organized supply chains can enter the US market with confidence.

Export Support from Royal Cold Storage

Royal Cold Storage is not currently COA-certified. However, we support seafood exporters preparing for strict international documentation requirements like NOAA compliance.

Our facility helps you:

• Maintain export-grade frozen storage

• Organize seafood by shipment and documentation

• Preserve quality while awaiting approvals

• Reduce compliance risks before export

Royal Cold Storage — Supporting reliable seafood exports with professional cold storage and logistics readiness.