Importing fish into the US

[nvcichlids]

Ok, I have NEVER considered this before, but I am to the point now where I might start the idea of getting an importer's license (if that is even what is needed.) I would be looking to primarly import from South America, but is there a universal importer's license that is needed or do you need one for each country/continent? I guess if anyone who has experience with this could explain to me the costs and process that is needed, that would be great.

( Like I said, it just recently started to get my attention and want to know the process and costs of it.)

[MatsP]

You may want to look into using an agent/transshipping company - these act as an intermediate, take care of all the paperwork (and have the import licenses needed), and then ship the fish to you. If you know of an exporter, check with them if they already have an agent in your country.

It is my understanding that this is how it works with many of the "direct importers" in the UK.

--
Mats

[Shane]

It is quite simple to obtain and fairly inexpensive. Several folks on the forum have a license and I know Jools has taken at least one shipment into the US (with Whitepine on his license).

U.S. Rules on Importing Tropical Fish a summary
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article15.html

-Shane

[nvcichlids]

Thanks guys, and Shane, I will be doing some reading on that link today