| Title: | Update to NMFS SIM program information |
|---|---|
| Date: | 2018-10-02 |
| To: | abi,acee,newace,partner |
| Links: | previous, original, next |
This CSMS replaces CSMS #18-000531 (Information about NMFS SIM program updates)
On March 23, 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141) was signed by the President and became law. Section 539 of Division B of the Act directed the Secretary of Commerce to, within 30 days, lift the stay on the effective date of the final rule for the Seafood Traceability Program published by the Secretary on December 9, 2016, (81 FR 88975) for the species described in 50 CFR 300.324(a)(3), provided that the compliance date for the species described in 50 CFR 300.324(a)(3) shall occur not later than December 31, 2018. This rule implements the Act and provides that shrimp and abalone will be subject to the requirements of the Seafood Traceability Program under 50 CFR 300.324(a)(3) effective May 24, 2018 with a compliance date December 31, 2018.
Shrimp and abalone are therefore being added to the NMFS Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIM) as announced earlier this spring.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes applicable to this mandate to file NMFS SIM program data will be updated with an NM8 flag for SIM. The list of 3 alpha codes will also be updated. These updates will begin January 8, 2019 and will be completed by January 11, 2019 in CERT and PROD.
Trade can begin voluntary filing for shrimp and abalone now, to assure they are ready before the mandate in January. Filers that have not yet included or filed SIM data with an Entry are strongly encouraged to file the SIM data voluntarily to assure they are prepared to do so to avoid rejections as of the above implementation date. In the coming weeks and months, NMFS will proactively contact filers of shrimp and abalone products that will be subject to SIM to offer technical assistance.
Importers and filers are also reminded that, as part of the SIM program, a valid NMFS International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) is mandatory. Filings with HTS codes flagged as “NM8” for SIM will be rejected without an IFTP permit.
The list of HTS codes that will be flagged for shrimp and abalone and other SIM requirements can be found at the following web sites:
•Federal Register Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/24/2018-08553/magnuson-stevens-fishery-conservation-and-management-act-lifting-the-stay-on-inclusion-of-shrimp-and
•NMFS SIMP Web site: https://www.iuufishing.noaa.gov/RecommendationsandActions/RECOMMENDATION1415/FinalRuleTraceability.aspx
•List of HTS and 3 Alpha codes for all SIMP products include Shrimp and Abalone in downloadable Excel: https://www.iuufishing.noaa.gov/Portals/33/SIMP%20species%20list_including%20shrimp%20and%20abalone%20asof5-2018.xls?ver=2018-05-16-174506-613
Requests for technical assistance can be directed to Dale Jones, Dale.Jones@noaa.gov and SIMPsupport@noaa.gov, or to the SIMP Support Line: 833-440-6599 (toll free)
Other questions or feedback regarding SIMP implementation can be directed to Celeste Leroux, Celeste.Leroux@noaa.gov
NOTE: Trade should not expect any additional CSMS reminders on this topic