Vietnamese swimming crab exports retain access to US

Vietnamese swimming crab exports retain access to US

US recognition of Việt Nam’s crab fisheries allows exports to continue through 2029, boosting a key seafood sector.

The US announced its final determination recognising the equivalency of swimming crab fisheries in Việt Nam. Photo courtesy of VASEP

The United States’ recognition of Việt Nam’s swimming crab fisheries as equivalent under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) will allow the country’s crab exports to continue entering the US market through 2029, giving a significant boost to one of Việt Nam’s key seafood sectors.

On May 11, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its final determination recognising the equivalency of swimming crab fisheries in Việt Nam, alongside Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the requirements of the MMPA.

The decision means seafood and seafood products harvested from Việt Nam’s swimming crab fisheries will remain eligible for import into the United States.

Beyond securing continued market access, the ruling reflects a broader global shift in which sustainable fishing practices, fisheries monitoring and marine mammal protection are becoming mandatory standards in international seafood trade.

The outcome marks a positive turnaround for Việt Nam’s crab industry, particularly after the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a preliminary finding in August 2025 placing swimming crab fisheries from Việt Nam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines in the category of non-compliance with MMPA requirements.

For Vietnamese exporters, the new determination means crab shipments to the United States can continue without requiring Certificates of Admissibility (COA), allowing trade to proceed under normal procedures as before.

However, businesses are advised to exercise caution when using imported raw materials. Inputs sourced from fisheries not recognised as equivalent under the MMPA will not be accepted.

Where raw materials originate from other approved fisheries, exporters must still provide the corresponding COA documentation from the exporting country.

According to NOAA Fisheries, Việt Nam’s equivalency status will remain valid until December 31, 2029. However, the agency noted that the determination could be reviewed or revoked if Việt Nam’s fisheries management programme no longer meets the required conditions.

NOAA also encouraged Việt Nam to continue strengthening efforts to reduce the risk of injury and mortality among marine mammals. Recommended measures include expanding observer programmes, enhancing electronic monitoring systems and supporting conservation initiatives for vulnerable species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin. 

Bizhub