Importing or moving live fish and shellfish

Find out how to import live fish, molluscs and crustaceans for farming, ornamental, or any other purpose except direct human consumption

This guidance applies only to imports or movements of live fish, molluscs and crustaceans for farming, ornamental, depuration, or any other purpose except direct human consumption, entering England and Wales from outside Great Britain (GB).

It does not apply to dead fish and shellfish, or fish and shellfish products, including live shellfish for direct human consumption.

Find out how to import wild-caught marine fish and fishery product for human consumption.

For information on live fish and shellfish imports from other UK territories and Crown Dependencies, contact:

Authorisation to import live fish and shellfish

You need authorisation from the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas as required under The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009, to import live fish, molluscs and crustaceans for all purposes except direct human consumption. These include:

All sources must be approved by the FHI who will check that the source country you are importing from is approved and can meet the animal health certification requirements for import into the GB.

You can get an unlimited fine if you import fish or shellfish without authorisation.

Approved countries for trade in live aquatic animals

Lists of possible susceptible and vector species, that are referenced in aquatic animal health legislation and import health certificates, can be found here: Susceptible and vector species - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You need to include a biosecurity measures plan outlining how you deal with fish health and disease if you import ornamental coldwater fish like koi.

Additional rules apply to endangered species under CITES. Find out how to trade and move species protected by CITES.