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).  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:

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
• Frozen
• In Airtight Containers (Can, Pouch, Jar)
• Prepared or Preserved Loins (Pre-cooked loins for canning)
• Balls and Cakes

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!

[Back to the top]

Frozen Product

Now, "What tuna species are you importing?" (Please select from one of the three choices shown below)

1. 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.

1. 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.
2. The importation is also regulated by the International Trade Permit program.

2. If Atlantic Bluefin, Pacific Bluefin, or Southern Bluefin ...

The importation is regulated by two NMFS import monitoring programs.

1. 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.
2. The importation is also regulated by the International Trade Permit program.

3. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

[Back to the top]