CSMS Message: 18-000368

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is changing the format of its International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP). As of June 21, 2018 all renewed and new NMFS IFTP permits that will be issued will be in a new format:
• The current permit number format is 14 characters which begins with the letter P and is follow by 13 numbers (Example, "P0000000012345").
• As of June 21st, 2018 the permit number format for all renewals for the IFTP and all new IFTPs issued will be 12 characters which begins with the letters "IFTP" followed by eight numbers (Example, "IFTP00012345")
• Once issued as a renewal or as a new permit number in the new format, the new number will be permanent. It will remain the same for that permittee and will not change with future renewals.
• All current/valid IFTP numbers will remain valid in their current format as issued until the expiration date. They will change to the new format when renewed.

If individual software developers have configured their client's systems to accept/receive only the current 14 digit configuration with a letter P + 13 numbers, they may need to assure that they change that format in order to submit future/new or renewed National Marine Fisheries Service IFTP permits required by the PGA Message Set for the NMFS programs (AMR, HMS, 370 and SIM).

NOTE: In performing validation of IFTP data provided in the PGA Message Set, CBP validates the permit number is present in the reference data provided by NMFS. Therefore, this change has no impact to CBP.

For more information, please refer to this NOAA website: https://fisheriespermits.noaa.gov/npspub/pub_cmn_login/index_live.jsp

Questions about this CSMS can be submitted to: dale.jones@noaa.gov