FDA's Seafood List restricts the market name 'sardine' to specific species, primarily Sardina pilchardus (the European pilchard) and, with qualification, certain Pacific sardines. Other small clupeoid species must be sold under their own accepted market names. Importers should verify FDA-accepted nomenclature before labeling product for US retail.

Fresh herring and sprats typically have a commercial shelf life of only a few days under optimal refrigeration, making air freight or very short sea routes a practical necessity. Importers should build FSIS inspection time into transit planning, as port-of-entry reinspection delays can consume a significant portion of remaining shelf life.