CSMS #68914006 · National Marine Fisheries Service Restricts Imports from the Philippines Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries under the Marine Mammal Protection Act

Brief takeaway: According to this CBP CSMS notice, imports from the Philippines' blue swimming crab fisheries face new restrictions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act as of June 11, 2026.

What changed: The notice states that on May 12, 2026, NOAA Fisheries denied comparability findings for the two blue swimming crab fisheries from the Philippines, while issuing comparability findings for the blue swimming crab fisheries of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. As a result, the notice says seafood imports from the Philippines blue swimming crab fisheries will be restricted as of June 11, 2026, and flagged U.S. HTS codes from the Philippines will require a Certification of Admissibility (COA) upon entry.

Who's affected: The notice cites blue swimming crab fishery products and names the Philippines (restricted), plus Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam (comparability findings issued). The notice references NOAA-flagged HTS codes but does not list specific codes in this text; it points to a NOAA resource for the flagged HTS codes and countries of origin.

What to review:
- Check the linked NOAA Fisheries resource for the specific HTS codes and countries of origin flagged under these MMPA restrictions.
- Review whether your blue swimming crab entries may originate from the Philippines fisheries covered by the restriction.
- Confirm with your broker whether a Certification of Admissibility (COA) may be required at entry.
- Confirm the June 11, 2026 effective date and any documentation for Indonesia, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam sourcing.

This is general information, not legal advice and not a compliance determination — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel.