How to Import Shrimp from Ecuador: FDA Requirements and Certification Guide

Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), and the United States is one of its most demanding destinations. For US buyers, a compliant entry comes down to three pillars: FDA registration, HACCP-based preventive controls, and an unbroken, documented cold chain.

Every foreign facility shipping seafood to the US must be FDA-registered, and importers must verify their suppliers under the Seafood HACCP regulation (21 CFR 123). On the Ecuadorian side, that means working with BASC-certified packers, IQF processing to specification (whole, HLSO, PD or PUD), and temperature logs from pond to port.

KATUNA Trade coordinates sourcing from certified farms, pre-shipment audits and the full export documentation package — sanitary certificates, certificates of origin and FDA prior notice support. Talk to our team before your next program.