NMFS Asks for Comments on Trusted Trader Program for Seafood Imports
The National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking input into the development of a trusted trader program for seafood imports, it said (here). Recommended by an administration task force in 2015 (see 1503160016), the trusted trader program “will provide benefits such as reduced targeting and inspections and enhanced streamlined entry into U.S. commerce for certified importers,” said NMFS. The program would be available for holders of International Fishery Trade Permits (IFTP) subject to recently proposed Seafood Import Monitoring Program documentation and recordkeeping requirements for high-risk seafood imports (see 1503160016), though NMFS is considering including other importers and members of the supply chain, such as customs brokers. NMFS said it will hold public webinars on the development of the program on May 4, May 10 and June 6. Comments are due June 28, and should address the following:
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Scope. Whether the scope of the program should be expanded to include entities with a role in securing the supply chain but are not directly responsible for holding an IFTP, such as customs brokers, freight forwarders, foreign harvesters, foreign processors or foreign exporters.
Criteria. How NMFS should evaluate and certify permit holders as trusted traders, such as the applicant’s compliance record for other federal programs, the extent of measures to verify the source and chain of custody of imported fish, and the nature and complexity of the supply chain.
Benefits. What benefits should be offered, such as reduced targeting and inspections and “enhanced streamlined entry into U.S. commerce.”
Evaluations. How NMFS should evaluate permit holders for eligibility and continued participation.
Other programs. Whether the program should include other NMFS programs, including other programs requiring an IFTP for highly migratory species and Antarctic species, as well as how the program should be integrated with other federal trusted trader programs.
Implementation. Potential effects of implementing the trusted trader program “some weeks or months” after ACE filing and recordkeeping requirements for high-risk seafood under the Seafood Import Monitoring Program take effect. While the task force’s recommendation says the trusted trader program should be implemented simultaneously in September 2016, implementation may be affected by “timing of the implementation of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program final rule, completion of the structure and elements of the Commerce Trusted Trader Program, and the timeframe for completion of Commerce Trusted Trader Program business rules in the International Trade Data System,” said NMFS.
(Federal Register 04/29/16)