Under the decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s crab fishery will continue to be allowed into the US market without requiring a certificate of admissibility (COA).

The decision is considered a positive development for Vietnam’s crab industry, particularly after the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in August 2025 initially classified Vietnam’s crab fishery and those of several other countries as not meeting MMPA requirements.

The equivalency finding for Vietnam is effective through December 31, 2029. However, NOAA noted that it could be reviewed or terminated if Vietnam’s fisheries management program no longer meets the required conditions.

The agency also recommended that Vietnam continue and step up efforts to reduce risks of mortality or serious injury to marine mammals. These include developing observer programs, expanding electronic monitoring and supporting the conservation of species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin.

US recognition of equivalency helps Vietnam’s crab industry retain access to a key export market while helping stabilize exports in the coming years. At the same time, the MMPA requirements underscore that standards related to sustainable fishing, fisheries monitoring and marine mammal protection are becoming increasingly important for Vietnamese seafood exporters seeking to maintain their advantage in the US market.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) advised businesses using imported raw materials not to source from fisheries not recognized as equivalent by the US. In cases where materials are sourced from other fisheries, exporters must have a COA issued by the exporting country.

On May 12, the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance requested provincial and municipal Departments of Agriculture and Environment, along with VASEP, to widely inform businesses and individuals that Vietnamese crab products are not required to obtain a COA for exports to the US.

The directorate also warned localities about the use of crab materials imported from the Philippines, which has not been recognized as equivalent by the US and will be banned from exporting crab products to the US from June 11 this year.

As a result, Vietnamese crab products using imported materials from the Philippines will also not be eligible for export to the US unless the products are accompanied by a COA issued by the Philippines.

The directorate also asked provinces and cities to continue step up communications and training for fishermen on marine mammal protection regulations, including how to record incidental catches and rescue marine mammals during fishing operations.

Crab exports hit 10-year high in first quarter

VOV.VN - Vietnam earned over US$173 million from crab exports in the first half of 2025, up 38% year-on-year and marking the highest level in a decade, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).