Regulatory Update: FWS Increases Scrutiny on Certain Squid Imports from Argentina – Illex argentina and/or Dosidicus gigas:

Flegenheimer International and several other brokers noticed an increase of inspection activity by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on certain squid imports. These inspections have led to shipment holds and processing delays.

The NCBFFA reached out to FWS, and guidance has now been issued for the trade community:

Message from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to NCBFAA members:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has recently been made aware of fishing permit requirements for shipments containing fresh forms of squid (e.g., meat, tentacles, body).

Note: These requirements do not apply to processed products such as noodles, pasta, or fried/battered items.

To support compliance with 50 CFR 14.52(c)(3) and help expedite shipment processing, FWS is requesting that the following information be included with all current and future declarations for species Illex argentina and/or Dosidicus gigas:

1. Harvesting Vessel Names
2. Harvesting Vessel Fishing Authorizations
3. Harvest Dates
4. Harvest Areas
5. Shipping Information – including transport details from the harvest nation to any processing countries.

Providing this documentation at the time of filing will help reduce clearance delays and ensure smoother processing.

Flegenheimer International will continue to monitor and keep you all informed.

Importers should discuss this with their suppliers and shippers and ask them to include the additional information when sending commercial documents.

Flegenheimer Team