Frozen Catfish (Whole, Not Fillets or Roe)

The 2008 Farm Bill transferred regulatory authority over catfish to USDA FSIS, treating it similarly to meat and poultry. As a result, imported catfish must originate from FSIS-approved foreign establishments, and shipments are subject to mandatory reinspection at the US port of entry — a more stringent regime than the FDA oversight that applies to most other imported seafood.

Antidumping duty orders have historically covered certain catfish products from Vietnam, including Pangasius. Importers must check the current scope of any active antidumping orders with CBP and the International Trade Administration before entry, as the orders' scope, cash deposit rates, and administrative review outcomes change over time. Misclassifying Pangasius under a different catfish line does not avoid the order if the product falls within its scope.