A shipment of frozen tuna can cross an ocean in days and then sit at a US port for weeks if the paperwork behind it falls short. For importers serving the United States and Mexico, choosing reliable seafood suppliers is just as important as selecting the right products. The difference between a clean release and a costly hold often comes down to one program: the Seafood Import Monitoring Program, or SIMP. As 2026 brings new funding and a clear push toward tighter rules, the readiness of your seafood supplier partner in Indonesia has become a core part of your import strategy, not a back-office detail. This guide walks through what SIMP demands, where it is moving, and how to source from Indonesia with confidence.
Why is SIMP the first thing US importers should check in 2026?
SIMP is a risk-based traceability program managed by NOAA Fisheries. It requires the US importer of record to collect, report, and keep chain-of-custody data for certain seafood, tracing each product from the moment it is harvested to the moment it enters US commerce. The goal is to keep illegally caught, unreported, and fraudulently labelled seafood out of the American market.
SIMP covers a wide range of seafood. It currently applies to over 1,100 species across 13 groups, which together account for nearly half of all seafood imported into the United States. Two things often surprise new importers: there is no minimum threshold, so even small trial orders require full records, and the legal responsibility lies with the importer of record, not the exporter. This is why choosing reliable seafood suppliers is essential, as you can only submit documents that your seafood exporter can provide.
What does SIMP actually require at the border?
Reporting occurs through the International Trade Data System, which is the US government’s main data portal within ACE. To import a covered product, the importer of record must hold an International Fisheries Trade Permit and report specific harvest and landing details upon the product’s entry into the country. The importer also needs to keep records that show the chain of custody for each entry.
Your supplier needs to provide a clear set of documents for each shipment. This includes details about the harvesting vessel or aquaculture facility, the fishing area and gear type, harvest dates and locations, landing records, and any processing or mixing that occurred. NOAA offers a sample catch certificate that suppliers can use for their supply chains. A reliable seafood export company prepares this documentation as part of the order, not as an afterthought.
Are your Indonesian species on the SIMP list?
The 13 covered groups include several pillars of Indonesia’s export trade, above all tuna and shrimp, as well as snapper, blue crab, mahi-mahi, and more. Indonesia is one of the largest suppliers of tuna and shrimp to the United States, so a great deal of the country’s seafood export products already fall within SIMP’s scope.
Buyers should assume their products are covered by SIMP and check early. If you are importing frozen tuna loins, skipjack, or shrimp from an Indonesian exporter, plan for SIMP requirements and confirm the species code before placing an order. A supplier who knows which fishery products are covered can help you avoid problems later.
What should you ask a supplier before you order?
When choosing a seafood supplier, focus on their documentation rather than just their prices. Before ordering, make sure the exporter can provide a full chain of custody for covered species, complete vessel and harvest records, traceable processing with a reliable cold chain, valid export and food safety certificates like HACCP, and a record of successful US entries. Also, ask how quickly they respond to customs brokers’ requests, since prompt responses help protect perishable goods.
CV Anugerah Bahari Mandiri stands out here. Based in Makassar, South Sulawesi, the company processes and exports fresh and frozen fishery products from Indonesian waters and works with buyers who need strong documentation for US ports. For importers building a compliant program, working with a dedicated exporter is preferable to relying on suppliers that cannot trace their own supply chain.
How is SIMP shifting in 2026, and what does it mean for you?
SIMP is likely to cover more species in the future. In December 2022, NOAA suggested expanding SIMP from about 1,100 to around 1,672 species, but withdrew the proposal after public feedback and following a review of the program through 2023 and 2024. In November 2024, NOAA released an action plan focused on better traceability, addressing forced labour, and promoting fair global trade. Two recent developments make SIMP even more important. In April 2025, Executive Order 14276 told the Commerce Department to review SIMP expansions and improve the program. In January 2026, Congress appropriated funding to NOAA to carry out the action plan during the 2026 fiscal year. The supplement would eventually require traceability for all US seafood imports. Importers should act as if broader coverage is coming, since it is easier to start with a compliant supply chain than to adjust after new rules take effect.
Why does compliant sourcing matter for both US and Mexican buyers?
SIMP is a US regulation, but its benefits reach all of North America. The United States, Mexico, and Canada work together to fight illegal fishing, including joint funding efforts. On both sides of the US-Mexico border, retail and foodservice buyers now expect proof of origin as a standard requirement.
A supplier who meets the strict US market standards is also prepared for buyers in Mexico who want the same level of assurance. Choosing an exporter focused on traceability reduces the risk of cargo being detained or rejected, protects your brand from fraud, and gives your customers a trustworthy story about the origin of their seafood. In short, compliance is both a customs requirement and a competitive advantage in the region.
Sourcing with confidence in 2026
Importers who treat documentation as essential are rewarded under SIMP. Work with an Indonesian seafood supplier who understands the rules, keeps accurate records, and responds quickly, and compliance becomes much easier. With more funding and a push for greater traceability in 2026, this approach is even more important. To start a compliant supply of Indonesian tuna, shrimp, and other fishery products, contact CV Anugerah Bahari Mandiri for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIMP?
SIMP is a US traceability program that requires importers to report harvest-to-entry data for at-risk seafood species, helping keep illegally caught or fraudulent products out of US commerce.
Does SIMP apply to seafood from Indonesia?
Yes. Any covered species entering the US must meet SIMP rules regardless of origin, and Indonesian tuna and shrimp are among the most common covered imports.
Who is legally responsible for SIMP compliance?
The US importer of record holds legal responsibility, but accurate harvest and chain-of-custody data from your Indonesian supplier is what makes that compliance achievable.
How many species does SIMP cover?
SIMP currently covers more than 1,100 unique species across 13 species groups, representing close to half of all seafood imported into the United States.
Is any shipment small enough to skip SIMP records?
No. SIMP has no de minimis threshold, so covered species need full reporting and records regardless of shipment value or volume.
Will SIMP expand in 2026?
Possibly. NOAA-funded action plan points toward broader traceability, so sourcing from compliant suppliers now protects you against future rule changes.
What documents should my supplier provide?
Expect harvest details, vessel and gear information, catch or landing records, and processing traceability that support your ITDS entry and importer recordkeeping.
Does compliant sourcing benefit Mexican buyers, too?
Yes. Traceable supply suits buyers across North America, including the US and Mexico, where demand for responsibly sourced, documented seafood continues to climb.