Transporting Aquarium Fish into U.S. from Canada

[jkeeler]

Does anyone have experience with driving across the border INTO U.S. with aquarium fish?  Is it allowed?  Any special steps?

I know you can drive into Canada without problems.  Also not looking for "I think" you can or "I don't believe" you can.  Looking for concrete answers or where to turn for answers.

[danielratti]

Let me ask my friend that is a customs officer and get back to you.  But it depends on what you have the lacy act kinda makes it hard to do a lot with live animals...

[jkeeler]

I talked to local Detroit Customs office today.  They referred me to the local U.S. Fish Wildlife.

Basically, you can bring over fish for your own personal use in a home aquarium.  I was asked many questions, basically to determine that the fish were not for commercial purposes.  One question that almost shut the door on me was he asked if I plan to breed/sell the fish.  I stressed it was hobby and not some commercial operation.  So chose you words wisely.

I have to fill out a US Wildlife Declaration form 3-177.

If i have any problems with the border/custom agent have them call the office. Hopefully he took notes

US Fish Wildlife Detroit office : 734-247-6803

[danielratti]

Year man they make it really tricky.  Hopefully it is worth of for you to bring them over.

[Regalblue]

What the hell did you find over there?  It's gotta be something good.

[jkeeler]

We (Josh tagged along)went to Canada today to pick-up 30 Tropheus Sp. Red (Moliro).   I am happy to report that we made it back across the border.  I believe it helped to have an the import form filled out and that I had spoken to a US Fish & Wildlife inspector.

It is definitely easier to bring fish into Canada.

[danielratti]

Lol yeah they don't care too much what goes over but what comes back they always question.

[JG]

I bring fish into Canada quite regularly and there's not much of an issue as long as you have the scientific names of the fish, quantity and declare that they're for your personal hobby/use. The key factor in travelling aquarium fishes and/or corals, etc. is that they can't be on the CITES list as a restricted and/or endangered species.

When I brought fish back from the last MCA auction I made the mistake of mentioning that the fishes were from South America. The young customs/immigration officer looked puzzled, even when I explained that the particular fish were bred in Michigan. Twenty minutes later after speaking to his supervisor and a car search, I was on my way. First time I ever had an issue and I used to carry marine fish, corals, etc. onboard flights, etc. without any hassles and before the liquid ban.

Key thing is to know what you have and to ensure they're not endangered.

Jay

[jkeeler]

I bring fish into Canada quite regularly and there's not much of an issue as long as you have the scientific names of the fish, quantity and declare that they're for your personal hobby/use. The key factor in travelling aquarium fishes and/or corals, etc. is that they can't be on the CITES list as a restricted and/or endangered species.

When I brought fish back from the last MCA auction I made the mistake of mentioning that the fishes were from South America. The young customs/immigration officer looked puzzled, even when I explained that the particular fish were bred in Michigan. Twenty minutes later after speaking to his supervisor and a car search, I was on my way. First time I ever had an issue and I used to carry marine fish, corals, etc. onboard flights, etc. without any hassles and before the liquid ban.

Key thing is to know what you have and to ensure they're not endangered.

Jay

Thanks Jay.  Word on the street is that going into Canada is much easier than coming into United States.  Coming to U.S. you need Import/Export license unless they are strictly for your home aquarium.  If they believe there is anything commercial with your activity (i.e. re-sale, commercial breeding activity) they will require a license.  Of course you can take your chances and just show up at the border.  Not a chance I wanted to take with dollar value.

Jay have you ever brought fish into the U.S.?

[cranialdisturbance]

I'm glad you guys didn't have to cross the border with those Tropheus in your pants.

[jcunningham0295]

I'm glad you guys didn't have to cross the border with those Tropheus in your pants.

Lol, might have next time through...  Will let you know when I go back.

[Regalblue]

I'm glad you guys didn't have to cross the border with those Tropheus in your pants.

I've heard Josh waits until he gets home for that.

[JG]

I bring fish into Canada quite regularly and there's not much of an issue as long as you have the scientific names of the fish, quantity and declare that they're for your personal hobby/use. The key factor in travelling aquarium fishes and/or corals, etc. is that they can't be on the CITES list as a restricted and/or endangered species.

When I brought fish back from the last MCA auction I made the mistake of mentioning that the fishes were from South America. The young customs/immigration officer looked puzzled, even when I explained that the particular fish were bred in Michigan. Twenty minutes later after speaking to his supervisor and a car search, I was on my way. First time I ever had an issue and I used to carry marine fish, corals, etc. onboard flights, etc. without any hassles and before the liquid ban.

Key thing is to know what you have and to ensure they're not endangered.

Jay

Thanks Jay.  Word on the street is that going into Canada is much easier than coming into United States.  Coming to U.S. you need Import/Export license unless they are strictly for your home aquarium.  If they believe there is anything commercial with your activity (i.e. re-sale, commercial breeding activity) they will require a license.  Of course you can take your chances and just show up at the border.  Not a chance I wanted to take with dollar value.

Jay have you ever brought fish into the U.S.?

I used to live in Halifax, NS on the east coast so I was usually flying fish back into Canada... stuff that was either stupidly priced here or harder to find. Now that I live on the border with Michigan, I'm considering giving it a try, however I think it would be easier for an American than a Canadian. I say that as I would bringing fish to an auction to sell and not for personal use per se. A friend of mine has some of the best looking Koi Angelfish (tons of orange) you'll ever see and would've brought some to the MCA auction but since it's for sale, i.e., auction, he hasn't risked it. If an American was bringing his fish in I think it would be far easier to state for "personal use".

Side note: Anyone heading to the OCA this month. I'm thinking of making the trip as I've always wanted to take in the event.

[Regalblue]

Yes Jay,  a bunch of us will be going down to OCAs Extravaganza (including myself )

[Cat(fish)lady]

Yes Jay,  a bunch of us will be going down to OCAs Extravaganza (including myself )

What Blair said! Haha