Getting rays directly from an exporter

[glovanator]

Not sure if this link helps? It's Canadian (yeah!), but I assume the US uses a similar system - well.. with other fish, obviously Asian arowana are illegal for you guys.

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Wyne_Importing_Asian_Arowana.html

Oh, and my interests is perked. Can we have a link to the exporter's site? (or you can PM it to me) thanx.

 

[csx4236]

It all depends on purchase price, If under 2000 US dollars you can import yourself without a license if it is over 2000 you need commercial import/export license. I think 2000 is the number could be more. You will need to clear it with fish and wildlife there fee is around 200 dollars and then also clear it with customs and if your paperwork is not perfect they will both make your life a living hell. Like Amazongirl said you should hire a broker to setup import, fish & wildlife paper work, inspection and customs paperwork all said and done your looking at 300-600 for someone to do this work.

 

[bcarlos]

It all depends on purchase price, If under 2000 US dollars you can import yourself without a license if it is over 2000 you need commercial import/export license. I think 2000 is the number could be more. You will need to clear it with fish and wildlife there fee is around 200 dollars and then also clear it with customs and if your paperwork is not perfect they will both make your life a living hell. Like Amazongirl said you should hire a broker to setup import, fish & wildlife paper work, inspection and customs paperwork all said and done your looking at 300-600 for someone to do this work.

Yep, Mike covered it. Also consider the added cost of shipping. If you only order a couple rays (i.e. one or two boxes) your shipping costs are going to be quite high. Likely looking at another $500-$600 + any packaging costs (heat packs, handling fees, etc) + the fee's Mike noted. There are a lot of hidden fees in importing, and most of the time it's really only worth it if you're a) buying a very expensive showpiece or b) buying quantity for resale.

Add all these fee's up and ask yourself "Can I get it for cheaper here?" For most rays other than p14, chances are you can get them cheaper, and of higher quality, here.

If you do go the importing route, make sure your papers in order. As a first time importer, you can expect customs to hold your shipment for inspection, so set aside a couple hours of your time.

 

[hbluehunter]

Glad to hear you got Dave's tank, they are nice tanks for sure.. Looks like Mike(H20) covered alot of your questions.. Depending on what you're planning on importing it may be chaeper to just buy local or from a vendor on here. Just my 2 cents..lol

 

[bahamaqt00]

Hey thanks guys! I was actually looking to get a couple of leopoldi rays (one male one female) so I'm not sure if even those are worth all the hassle of trying to import. And to hear that the paperwork is a pain in the butt, I don't really have time to do all that right now. I don't even really have the time to pick up rays from the airport.

I did see though that seattle is a designated port of arrival which would make things a lot easier for me since the seattle airport is only about 30 min from me.

Oh well, maybe later on down the line when I have the time, money and patience to deal with something like that. Thanks for all the info everyone!

 

[T1KARMANN]

its easy to get a import licence (well in the UK it is)

its free to get and you can have it in less than 14 days we can even import Asian Aros with this licnence as long as the exporter provides you with the correct paperwork

 

[Gshock]

Hey thanks guys! I was actually looking to get a couple of leopoldi rays (one male one female) so I'm not sure if even those are worth all the hassle of trying to import. And to hear that the paperwork is a pain in the butt, I don't really have time to do all that right now. I don't even really have the time to pick up rays from the airport.

I did see though that seattle is a designated port of arrival which would make things a lot easier for me since the seattle airport is only about 30 min from me.

Oh well, maybe later on down the line when I have the time, money and patience to deal with something like that. Thanks for all the info everyone!

If you're only looking for leos, why not just get them straight from mike? Alot easier isnt it? Plus you dont have to deal with any health issues or any possibility of hybridization.

 

[bahamaqt00]

If you're only looking for leos, why not just get them straight from mike? Alot easier isnt it? Plus you dont have to deal with any health issues or any possibility of hybridization.

Yeah there is a couple other US vendors that I have my eye on for leos. I was just thinking about going straight to the source. Didn't realize the hassle. Maybe when I have more time I will give it a go

 

[Clay]

There is a ton of misinformation going on in here.

You don't need an import license, but you will likely need to bring the shipment in through one of the 7 (iirc) ports. I think Seattle may be one, but I can't remember. It has been a long time since I imported anything.
Fish and wildlife will likely need to inspect, so you will prefer to have the shipment come into the proper airport. Otherwise, you may be charged with travel time and an hourly fee.
Shipping costs will make this VERY cost prohibitive.
It is not illegal for a wholesaler to sell to a hobbyist.
Brokers will charge you a decent amount of money to bring in a shipment for you. That will make this even more cost prohibitive.
Typically, you will have a minimum order. If not, great, but in the event of DOAs, they won't cover shipping, and you'll likely get a credit on your next order. That means double the cost and try again.
Did I mention this is very cost prohibitive for a few rays?

Not to talk you out of it, but it's a pretty daunting task. Try something easier like a shipment from Canada. Nowhere near as far, shorter time in the bag, and no language barrier.

HTH.

 

[bahamaqt00]

There is a ton of misinformation going on in here.

You don't need an import license, but you will likely need to bring the shipment in through one of the 7 (iirc) ports. I think Seattle may be one, but I can't remember. It has been a long time since I imported anything.
Fish and wildlife will likely need to inspect, so you will prefer to have the shipment come into the proper airport. Otherwise, you may be charged with travel time and an hourly fee.
Shipping costs will make this VERY cost prohibitive.
It is not illegal for a wholesaler to sell to a hobbyist.
Brokers will charge you a decent amount of money to bring in a shipment for you. That will make this even more cost prohibitive.
Typically, you will have a minimum order. If not, great, but in the event of DOAs, they won't cover shipping, and you'll likely get a credit on your next order. That means double the cost and try again.
Did I mention this is very cost prohibitive for a few rays?

Not to talk you out of it, but it's a pretty daunting task. Try something easier like a shipment from Canada. Nowhere near as far, shorter time in the bag, and no language barrier.

HTH.

Yeah I decided to not go with this idea. I would rather pay a little extra to get a ray that doesn't have to travel so far and I can deal with english speaking sellers. No offense to anyone, but I feel like the language barrier might be a little bit of an issue