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Post by Xander on Feb 19, 2019 22:36:04 GMT -5
Hello all, I'm wondering if anyone here has experience bringing fish from Canada to the US through the border. There has been some American interest in our swap meet, but it comes as no surprise that people from Michigan don't have much reason to come to Canada for their livestock. I've been asked to learn what I can from anyone here who might have some insight concerning what can and cannot be brought to the US over the border. They are looking into the US import laws, in the meantime.
Do you have any experience to share on the matter?
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Feb 20, 2019 7:20:38 GMT -5
Sorry I have no experience bringing fish to the States .
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Post by gabor129 on Feb 20, 2019 16:48:31 GMT -5
I have no idea.
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Post by guppyguy on Feb 20, 2019 18:40:51 GMT -5
One way is to ship the fish to yourself. Nancy told me she ships her fish to someone over there when she is in guppy shows and does not travel with them across the border. I have personally have shipped to the US many times with no issues. A inconvenience yes but a option.
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Post by jred on Feb 21, 2019 11:59:42 GMT -5
To my knowledge - if a US citizen is bringing ornamental fish for personal use they should have minimal issues providing the value of the livestock does not exceed their daily limit (they will have to pay tariffs and taxes on anything above). I know several people who have come to Canada to obtain certain species (typically cichlids) and only hiccup was the value of the goods they got. Also absolutely no salt water is allowed nor anything considered endangered or "injurious species". If they want more details point them towards the United States Fish and Wildlife Services website. I would recommend writing the scientific names and dollar value per bag down for the border guards - its what I do when bringing fish back from Michigan. Cheers.
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Post by Crazygar on Feb 25, 2019 11:05:07 GMT -5
I've had no issues going back and forth with fish. Most of the times the Border Guards enjoy looking at them. Names on the bag, an itemized list and ensure that nothing is on the endangered list or protected.
Gary
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Post by jred on Feb 26, 2019 10:50:19 GMT -5
I've had no issues going back and forth with fish. Most of the times the Border Guards enjoy looking at them. Names on the bag, an itemized list and ensure that nothing is on the endangered list or protected. Gary You have brought fish into the US as a Canadian citizen? Were your intentions selling them? I am always worried they are going to confiscate them as they don't want you making money on them. Very curious how that works. |
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Post by Crazygar on Feb 26, 2019 10:52:57 GMT -5
I've only done it a few times, saying it was for a friend, we were "trading" fish plants etc and meeting up at the GDAS Meeting. If you are constantly doing this with large amounts, they'll clue in real fast.
Gary
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Post by jred on Feb 26, 2019 10:55:57 GMT -5
I've only done it a few times, saying it was for a friend, we were "trading" fish plants etc and meeting up at the GDAS Meeting. If you are constantly doing this with large amounts, they'll clue in real fast. Gary Interesting... maybe I can bring a couple bags to auction then and just say they are donations... or maybe not even mention the auction and say they are for a friend as well. I had someone tell me they used to claim them as "club donations" they were bringing to the Michigan clubs but I was kind of worried they would get mad. Unfortunately the websites don't contain a lot of information providing guidelines on that. |
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Post by Crazygar on Feb 26, 2019 11:03:18 GMT -5
As long you are stating they are donations or trading with a friend you should be fine. Soon as you mention the word sale, money or cash, things start to get interesting. Don't mention those words.
Make sure the bags are labeled, often, they'll want to see them, if you are transporting plants, ensure no substrate/dirt of any kind, and completely exposed root system.
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Feb 26, 2019 13:23:36 GMT -5
I could never risk bringing fish or plants from here to the States . Not saying they wouldn’t let you just that I wouldn’t want to risk bringing “flagged” and having trouble crossing every trip after that . Now if I was an American I would give it a go .
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Post by jred on Feb 26, 2019 18:39:35 GMT -5
I could never risk bringing fish or plants from here to the States . Not saying they wouldn’t let you just that I wouldn’t want to risk bringing “flagged” and having trouble crossing every trip after that . Now if I was an American I would give it a go . That has always been my issue too - i might test it with some fry later in the year. As long as you are up front about the fish and don't lie you shouldn't get flagged but the fish might get taken either way. |
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Feb 27, 2019 14:49:09 GMT -5
I could never risk bringing fish or plants from here to the States . Not saying they wouldn’t let you just that I wouldn’t want to risk bringing “flagged” and having trouble crossing every trip after that . Now if I was an American I would give it a go . That has always been my issue too - i might test it with some fry later in the year. As long as you are up front about the fish and don't lie you shouldn't get flagged but the fish might get taken either way. Good point . |
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Post by Crazygar on Feb 28, 2019 6:15:11 GMT -5
You go in nervous, you'll be flagged. I guess since I spend a good deal of time in the States (still considering moving over to the Detroit area) Border Crossings for me is a normal part of life. Once again, never mention the words; sale, cash or money. Trading with a friend is always the best one. Make sure you have a name to back yourself up (just pick a famous name from the GDAS) and go from there.  Gary |
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Post by gabor129 on Dec 28, 2019 9:27:22 GMT -5
I know this is an old post, however as our swap meet is once again fast approaching, and the fact that I just got a response to this question from master breeder Dean Tweeddale himself, I like to revive it.
This is what I received from him:
“ If the fish are legal in the USA, and you don’t have a huge amount (like a shop or wholesaler would), it is possible.
Things you need:
A sales receipt with the price paid, scientific and common name listed.
Then you need to hit the border when a fish and wildlife agent could be available.
With that you are usually able to cross the border.
That said it can take time if the wrong folks are on duty. Once it took me 3 1/2 hours to get a pair of German Blue Rams across the boarder. Most of that time was waiting for the fish and wildlife guy to show up. Once he got there it was 5 minutes.
I will say a that many cross the border without declaring, but I was not willing to put my Nexus pass at risk.
Shipping or flying with fish is different and I don’t have that experience, except flying domestically with fish is not too difficult as long as they are in your carry on bags.
Also coming across the border, don’t do plants, they are more difficult than fish.”
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