NMFS to Require ACE, AES for All Electronic Import and Export Filings for Seafood on Sept. 20

The National Marine Fisheries Service will use Sept. 20 as the deadline for all electronic filing of import data in ACE, and export data in the Automated Export System, for products regulated by the agency, it said (here). On that date, NMFS will end its ACE import pilot and AES export pilot, and require ACE or AES for electronic import and export filings, including the NMFS partner government agency (PGA) message set, document imaging system (DIS) submissions, and a check for the new consolidated International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) for swordfish, tuna and toothfish regulated under the agency’s Antarctic Marine Living Resources, Highly Migratory Species International Trade Permit, and Tuna Tracking and Verification programs (see 1608020016). “All importers and exporters of fish products regulated by NMFS are encouraged to use ACE or AES, as applicable, for their electronic filings in advance” of Sept. 20, “when such filings will become mandatory,” NMFS said. The agency will hold two webinars, on Aug. 18 and Sept. 1, to discuss implementation of the consolidated IFTP (here).