The Directorate of Fisheries and the Fisheries Surveillance Department announced on May 12 that four Vietnamese crab fishing codes were recognized by NOAA in an assessment released a day earlier.
The approved categories include blue crab caught by gillnet and trap methods, and red swimming crab caught by gillnet and trap methods.
Under the decision, Vietnamese crab and crab products can be exported to the United States without requiring a Certificate of Export Eligibility (COA) until Dec. 31, 2029, or until further notice.
Vietnam joined Indonesia and Sri Lanka in receiving equivalency status from NOAA. In contrast, the Philippines failed to secure recognition for two crab fishing codes.
NOAA said that from June 11, 2026, crab and crab products from the Philippines will no longer be permitted to enter the U.S. market. Consequently, Vietnamese crab products using raw materials imported from the Philippines will also be barred from export to the United States unless the materials are accompanied by a valid COA issued by Philippine authorities.
Vietnam’s Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance Department urged local authorities, businesses and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) to continue strengthening marine mammal protection measures, monitor accidental catch and improve crab fishing practices ahead of the next U.S. review.