Fresh or Chilled Cod (Excluding Livers and Roes)

While MSC or equivalent certifications are not legally required for US customs entry, major US grocery chains and foodservice distributors increasingly mandate them as a procurement condition. Importers should confirm whether their buyers require chain-of-custody documentation and factor certification audit timelines into supplier qualification.

Fresh cod imports must be accompanied by a foreign establishment approval number, a commercial invoice, and a packing list. FSIS reinspection is conducted at the port of entry; shipments from non-approved establishments will be refused. Importers should also be prepared to provide catch certificates if the buyer or retailer requires traceability documentation. Consult a licensed customs broker for current entry requirements.