US recognizes Viet Nam’s crab fisheries as equivalent under MMPA

According to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), on May 11, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an equivalency determination for Viet Nam’s crab fisheries, alongside those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Viet Nam’s crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for export to the US market.

According to US authorities, Viet Nam reclassified its crab fisheries in January 2026 into four separate categories based on target species and fishing gear, identified as Fishery IDs 13164, 13206, 13204 and 13205. After reviewing the submitted documents and related data, the US concluded that the four fisheries are managed at a level comparable to US standards.

The decision marks a positive development for Viet Nam’s crab industry, especially after the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in August 2025 concluded that crab fisheries from Viet Nam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines did not meet the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Under the new determination, Vietnamese crab exports to the US market will no longer require a COA (Certificate of Admissibility). However, businesses should note that imported raw materials cannot be sourced from fisheries that are banned or not recognized as equivalent in the exporting country. If materials are sourced from other fisheries, a COA from the relevant country will still be required.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Viet Nam’s equivalency status will remain in effect through December 31, 2029, although it could be reconsidered if the country no longer meets the required standards.

NOAA also urged Viet Nam to step up efforts to reduce marine mammal deaths and injuries. Suggested measures include expanding observer programs, strengthening electronic monitoring and supporting the conservation of species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin.

The US decision helps keep an important export market open for Viet Nam’s crab industry and offers greater stability for exports in the coming years. At the same time, the MMPA signals that sustainable fishing, stronger fisheries oversight and marine mammal protection are becoming increasingly important for Vietnamese seafood exporters seeking to remain competitive in the US market.