On August 3, 2016, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule establishing regulations to integrate the collection of trade documentation within the International Trade Data System,and requiring electronic information through a single automated portal.
President Obama, by Executive Order in 2014–Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America’s Businesses–mandated the use of a single electronic system, the International Trade Data System (ITDS), to streamline transactions for the import and export of products regulated by any U.S. Federal Agency.
The rule enables NOAA Fisheries to meet this mandate by streamlining and consolidating its procedures and trade documentation requirements for certain fishery products, establishing regulations which integrate the collection of trade documentation within ITDS, and requiring information be submitted through a single electronic portal.
By consolidating existing international trade permits under the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program and Highly Migratory Species International Trade Program (HMS ITP), and expanding the scope to include regulated seafood products under the Tuna Tracking Verification Program (TTVP), a single consolidated permit will also provide a more streamlined and cost-effective approach for collecting import and export documentation.
NOAA Fisheries has scheduled public webinar meetings on August 18 and September 1, 2:30pm – 4:00pm Eastern, to further engage with interested stakeholders about this regulation and its implications. Details will be posted at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ia/.
source: NOAA Fisheries