Good news for Vietnamese crab exports to the US.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP), the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just announced its conclusion recognizing the equivalence of Vietnam's crab fishing industry under the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), opening up opportunities for Vietnamese crabs to be re-exported to this market in the near future.

According to a US announcement, in January, Vietnam separated the old fishing method codes into four distinct methods based on target species and fishing gear types, namely Fishery IDs 13164, 13206, 13204, and 13205. After reviewing the documentation, technical data, and supplementary information, the US determined that these Vietnamese fishing methods achieved a level of management efficiency equivalent to the US fisheries management program.

VASEP considers this a positive sign for Vietnam's crab industry, especially in light of the preliminary conclusion announced by the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in August 2025, which placed the crab industries of Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines in the group that did not meet the requirements of the MMPA.

Along with Vietnam, Indonesia and Sri Lanka were also recognized as equivalent by the US. Meanwhile, the Philippines did not meet the requirements for related crab fishing practices. According to regulations, imports of crabs and products from these fisheries in the Philippines will be halted from the US starting June 11th, 30 days after the announcement.

Vietnamese crabs will continue to be exported to the US in the coming period and will not be required to provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

With the above results, Vietnamese crab exports to the US will no longer be subject to the requirement for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for seafood products meeting US export standards, and export activities can proceed normally as before. However, according to VASEP, businesses still need to pay attention to imported raw materials. If using raw materials from abroad, businesses are not allowed to use materials originating from prohibited or unrecognized fishing practices in the country of origin. If using materials from other fishing methods, businesses must have a COA certificate as required by the importing country.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the decision to recognize Vietnam's equivalence is valid until December 31, 2029. However, the agency also stated that it may reconsider or terminate recognition if Vietnam's fisheries management program no longer meets the applicable conditions.

NOAA also recommended that Vietnam continue to strengthen measures to reduce the risk of fatal or serious injury to marine mammals. Key areas emphasized include developing a fisheries observer program, enhancing electronic monitoring, and promoting conservation efforts for species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin.

Currently, 80% of Vietnam's crab is exported to the US, with export revenue to the US reaching approximately $75-80 million. per year.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/tin-vui-voi-ghe-viet-nam-xuat-my-3407426.html