February 27, 2018 — The public has less than a month to supply comments on U.S. government proposal to streamline the reporting process for participants in the Seafood Import Monitoring Program.
Last month, NOAA Fisheries unveiled a draft rule regarding the creation of a Commerce Trusted Trader Program, a voluntary effort that seeks to reduce costs for both industry and the government. The first public meeting regarding the proposal took place on 15 February.
Public comments, which can be submitted at the Regulations.gov website, must be submitted by 19 March.
John Henderschedt, director of NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, said the public comment period also gives key stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the proposed rule.
Henderschedt said NOAA officials planned for a Trusted Trader concept when SIMP was first announced. However, the agency needed to develop the SIMP framework first before delving into the specifics of the Trusted Trader program.
Companies that participate in the Trusted Trader Program still would be required to maintain the traceability records – from the time of harvest to the time it reaches the U.S. – on all seafood products listed under SIMP.
In general terms, the Trusted Trader Program will run similar to the PreCheck initiative offered to frequent travelers by the Transportation Security Administration, with a couple of exceptions. First, seafood importers will have to adhere to the SIMP regulations and incorporate them into their standard operating procedures.
Second, the participating companies will be required to hire a third-party firm to audit their records annually to ensure they’re maintaining compliance with SIMP. If the Trusted Trader Program becomes reality, companies could lose their status if audits indicate they’re not abiding by the regulations.
Read the full story at Seafood Source