What Every Seafood Buyer Should Know About: Catfish and Pangasius

What Every Seafood Buyer Should Know About Catfish and Pangasius

U.S. laws require catfish and pangasius buyers --- no matter where in the supply chain --- to use 'due care' to avoid buying catfish or pangasius that was harvested or sold in violation of a federal, state or foreign law. Illegal catfish and pangasius can be seized and forfeited --- and the buyer and company risk criminal prosecution if they are negligent. Courts say buyers must take 'affirmative action' to verify products are lawful. You should always do due diligence, therefore, before completing a commercial transaction, particularly when buying catfish and pangasius produced outside the United States.

This Guide gives you a starting point for your 'affirmative action.' The facts and circumstances surrounding every transaction differ, and regulations change frequently. Readers should consult a qualified legal expert for a review of the regulations governing their products, or for a determination of how these regulations apply to your situation.