Mandatory compliance with the USA Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) became effective 1 January 2018, but shrimp and abalone inclusion was stayed until comparable traceability requirements for domestic aquaculture could be established. On 23 April 2018, the stay was lifted and thus shrimp and abalone compliance will be mandatory by 31 December 2018. According to NOAA, “The inclusion of shrimp – the largest US seafood import- and abalone in SIMP nearly doubles the volume and value of imported fish and fish products subject to its requirements, further leveling the playing field for U.S. fishermen, aquaculture producers, and seafood producers around the world who play by the rules”.
For more information see the press release. For other seafood, an “informed compliance” approach ended 9 April 2018.
De Maribus 