Importing live fish and shellfish to England and Wales

All imports of live fish and shellfish from an UK territory (Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and Northern Ireland), EU Member State or further are accompanied by some or all of the following.

Importer authorisation

To import live fish and shellfish you must be authorised by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI). The only exceptions to this are those importing for immediate human consumption, or immediate processing for human consumption. Authorisations are free of charge and you can apply using the AAH2 form.

Authorisations explain the minimum legal standards which are required of you as the importers. This includes; record keeping, certification and biosecurity measures plans.

Health certification

If you are importing fish and shellfish from outside the EU, you must have the appropriate health certification and it must accompany the import.

To acquire the correct health certification, contact the competent authority of the country you wish to import and they will issue it. These authorities will follow model documents issued by the EU and will often charge for this service.

Any import from an UK territory (Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland) or EU Member State requires health certification when the species are either a carrier of or susceptible to an EU controlled disease. If the species are not susceptible, or carriers, the FHI require the territory to send a computerised message to the Great British authorities.

Further information regarding health certification, including guidance, can be found in the forms, books and guidelines section of this website.

Hygiene certification

Imports of live fish and shellfish, from outside the EU, intended for immediate human consumption or immediate processing for human consumption, require health and hygiene certification. This confirms both the fish and shellfish health, and gives assurance regarding public health.

The FHI at Cefas can advise further on fish and shellfish health matters. However for detailed information regarding public health and hygiene matters including: certification, authorized countries and suppliers minimum requirements, you should contact the Food Standards Agency.

Please note that imports destined for further ongrowing or relaying - prior to human consumption - are considered as farming or aquaculture.

Endangered species

Certain species are recognized world wide as endangered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These species require addition documentation. Further information is available from Defra.

Controlled species

Many species are controlled under importation. This limits their use or requires you to gain additional permissions. These can include:

• the control of specified non-native fish and crayfish (WCA/ ILFA)
• the marketing and placing on the market of genetically modified organisms (GM)
• the introduction to open waters (Section 30)
• the onward movements of species outside the GB territory (exports)

Importing dead or processed aquaculture

When importing dead, or processed, fish and shellfish products for human consumption, please contact the Food Standards Agency.

For imports of dead fish or shellfish products not for human consumption, please contact Defra or the IAI.