I was just wondering if anybody new how to get my fish through US. Customs. When I go back to the states I want to bring my Arowana, Siamese Tigers, Gar and Shovel Nose with me if at all possible and financially worth it. I'm pretty sure a I can package them safely in my suitcases, but I don't want to be fined for having them. Any advice or links about this subject would be appreciated. Thanks.
Getting fish through US Customs
- Thread starter honkybird
- Start date
It is a black arowana. I've found this at the at the US customs website a litle while ago. "Non-endangered or injurious species of Aquarium fish may generally be imported for personal use through authorized Fish and Wildlife ports of entry, commercial importers must obtain FWS permits. For more information, please call 1-800-344-WILD or visit their web site". So there is some hope of getting them back I think.
Proper advice is appreciated however ways of trying to slip the fish is not. MFK will not condone anything illegal. Thanks.
You are better off shipping it to a trans-shipper/importer than trying to bring it home yourself. Reason being is the #%*@&* paperwork! If you don't do it that way they will likely be confiscated on arrival and your fish will likely die in their bags. Also if you don't declare them and get caught you WILL spend time in jail! It's not worth it! U.S. Fish and wildlife has an "entry fee" of $100 to $200 per shipment too! (I don't remember the actual fee cost). I've researched this before. Without the permits and licenses there is no easy way to import fish yourself. I wish they would make it easier!!!
i was able to bring a bunch of dats from japan. had to get with dept of fish and wildlife to get a permit and import license. since it wasn't for commerical use, i didn't need a business license. then i had to make sure i made an appt with a wild life inspector at the airport, so he could be there when i arrived to inspect the fish. then i got the ok from the airlines, packed up my fish (double bagged with oxygen tablets) and put them in my suitcase. custom confiscated the fish, because the inspector had to leave island. had to get call the other inspector in,so i got them a day later (all alive). over all, was alot easier then i though. oh, i also needed to bring the right referece material (picture of fish with scientific name...etc)
OKay thanks for the advice. It took me awhile, but I finally got through with the fish and wildlife people and they said as long as it is for personal use and they are not endangered it is okay to bring them, but when I land in the US I need to duty or declare them and get the proper paper work at the airport.