South Africa gains approval to export fish to the US
South Africa’s fishing industry secured permission to export fish and fish products from listed fisheries to the US beyond January 2026.
South Africa’s fishing industry secured permission to export fish and fish products from listed fisheries to the United States beyond January 2026.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) confirmed that South Africa’s fish products meet the standards of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.
Critical market access
NOAA Fisheries determined that South Africa’s regulatory programme for protecting marine mammals matches the effectiveness of the United States’ programme.
“This determination will allow us to continue exporting South Africa’s fish and fish products from the listed fisheries to the United States beyond January 2026, securing critical market access and reaffirming South Africa’s role as a responsible fishing nation. Ensuring this critical flow of business is in line with government’s mandate of building an ethical and capable state, as well as drive inclusive economic growth,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.
NOAA Fisheries made this determination after rigorously reviewing South Africa’s comparability finding application, including extra information submitted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The industry played a key role throughout the process, highlighting South Africa’s strong management measures and commitment to sustainable practices.
“We welcome this decision and extend our appreciation to the fishing industry for its cooperation and compliance throughout the review process,” the Minister said.
Full committed
NOAA Fisheries made this determination after rigorously reviewing South Africa’s comparability finding application, including extra information submitted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
The industry played a key role throughout the process, highlighting South Africa’s strong management measures and commitment to sustainable practices.