U.S. Approves Turtle-Safe Shrimp from Select Global Fisheries Yearly
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Notice
Summary
Every year, the U.S. checks which countries catch wild shrimp in a way that protects sea turtles. For 2026, shrimp from certain countries and specific fisheries are approved to enter the U.S., while others can only sell farmed shrimp. This affects shrimp importers and helps keep sea turtles safe, with new rules effective April 21, 2026.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Wild-Caught Shrimp from Certified Nations Allowed
As of April 21, 2026, wild-caught shrimp and products from that shrimp harvested in the listed nations and Hong Kong are eligible to enter the United States. The notice explicitly names: Argentina; the Bahamas; Belgium; Belize; Canada; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; the Kingdom of Denmark; the Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Estonia; Fiji; Gabon; Germany; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Iceland; Ireland; Jamaica; Mexico; the Netherlands; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Nigeria; Norway; Oman; Panama; Russia; Sri Lanka; Suriname; Sweden; the United Kingdom; and Uruguay.
Unlisted Nations Limited to Farmed Shrimp
For nations, economies, and fisheries not listed in this notice, only shrimp harvested from aquaculture (farmed shrimp) and products from that shrimp are eligible to enter the United States. Wild-caught shrimp from those unlisted nations is not eligible under this determination.
No Wild-Caught Imports Without Certification or Determination
The importation of wild-caught shrimp or products from that shrimp from any nation or fishery without a Section 609 certification or a Department determination is not allowed to enter the United States. This notice reaffirms that shrimp from uncertified nations are ineligible unless specifically determined otherwise.
TED-Based Entry for Specific Fisheries
Shrimp harvested with turtle excluder devices (TEDs) comparable to U.S. TEDs may be eligible from specific fisheries under DS-2031 Box 7(A)(2). The Department determined only these fisheries qualify for that provision: Australia (Northern Prawn Fishery, the Queensland East Coast Trawl Fishery, and the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery) and France (the French Guiana domestic trawl fishery). A responsible government official of Australia or France must sign Block 8 of the DS-2031 form for those imports.
Special Non-Threat Fisheries Eligible for Entry
Under DS-2031 Box 7(A)(4), the Department determined certain fisheries harvest shrimp in ways not to pose a threat to sea turtles and are eligible for U.S. entry. Those are: Spencer Gulf (Australia); shrimp baskets in Hokkaido (Japan); 'mosquito' nets in the Republic of Korea; Mediterranean red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) harvested in Spain; and giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) harvested in Italy. A responsible government official of the relevant country must sign Block 8 of the DS-2031 form for these imports.
DS-2031 Form Must Accompany All Shrimp Imports
All imports of shrimp and products from shrimp into the United States must be accompanied by a completed DS-2031 Shrimp Exporter's/Importer's Declaration. For imports from certified nations and Hong Kong, importers must mark Box 7(B); for uncertified nations, originals with the appropriate 7(A) box checked and signatures by the exporter and a responsible government official are required and the form must accompany the shipment through all export stages.
DS-2031 Box 7(A)(3) Not Available
The Department did not determine that any shrimp or products from shrimp harvested in a manner described in DS-2031 Box 7(A)(3) are eligible to enter the United States, so Box 7(A)(3) may not be marked on any DS-2031 form accompanying imports.
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