Importing a pl*co...?

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mandimoron
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Joined: 07 Feb 2006, 02:20
Location 1: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Importing a pl*co...?

Post by mandimoron »

Heya, I'm new here, and I have no idea if this topic is in the right area, but I figured the "general nonsense" forum was a relatively safe place. :oops:

Anyway-- I live in Toronto, and I may get an opportunity in the future to get my grubby little paws on a zebra pl*co. Unfortunately, said pl*co would be coming from Florida, which complicates things. Is there anyone here who has had experience in importing/exporting catfish and the like over the Canada-U.S. border? The only thing I've ever ordered from the States is a subscription to Nintendo Power magazine, so I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all the bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo I've been reading on customs/wildlife agency websites.

Optimally, what I would like is to have a step-by-step guide on how to legally import a non-CITES listed critter for my own personal enjoyment, but any advice or information would gladly be appreciated!

(BTW, I love this site! Especially the Cat-eLog, I had no idea there were so many different kinds of catfish! And they're all so cute! :mrgreen: )
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Kana3
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Post by Kana3 »

Would it be worth arranging the import through a local LFS on your behalf? They'd certainly know the process, and probaly have standing Quarantine permissions.

I have been involved with the import / export environment in a previous life. And on-going importers don't have anywhere near the hassle that one-off importers have.

It's probably worth talking to a LFS in any case, especially if you know one with a friendly face.

And it's just occurred to me, not sure if they go by the same titles over there - Freight Forwaders / Customs Agents. Many of them will provide a Door to Door service. Of course they expect a fee...Over here it's roughly aus$100 (excluding freight). But they'll do all that crappy Customs & Quarantine paperwork for you.
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MatsP
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Post by MatsP »

I would agree with Kana, the best route is probably to go through an existing fish importer. If you have an LFS that you're really friendly with, you may find that he knows some wholesaler that imports fish from the US, and that could just add this to the order when he's doing the next order - of course the fish in Florida would have to be delivered to the breeder/exporter.

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Mats
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