Importing live fish to the United States requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). In 2024, the process involves filing a Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (Form 3-177) and obtaining clearance from the USFWS at an authorized port of entry before U.S. Customs will release the shipment.
Completing Form 3-177
The first step in importing live fish to the USA is to fill out Form 3-177, which collects essential information about the shipment, such as:
Date of import/export
USFWS Import/Export License Number
Port of clearance
Purpose code
Customs document numbers
Name of carrier and air waybill or bill of lading numbers
Transportation code
Bonded location for inspection
Number and markings of cartons containing wildlife
Name, address, and contact information of U.S. and foreign importers/exporters
The form also requires detailed information about the specific fish species being imported, including scientific name, common name, CITES permit numbers (if applicable), description code, source code, quantity, unit, and total monetary value.
Authorized Ports of Entry
Live fish shipments must be cleared through one of the designated USFWS wildlife ports or border ports. These ports have USFWS wildlife inspectors on site to inspect the shipments and ensure compliance with regulations.
The designated USFWS wildlife ports are:
Atlanta, Georgia
Baltimore, Maryland
Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Honolulu, Hawaii
Los Angeles/Long Beach, California
Miami, Florida
New Orleans, Louisiana
New York, New York
Portland, Oregon
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington
The designated border ports are located along the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders.
USFWS Inspection and Clearance
Once the shipment arrives at the port, USFWS wildlife inspectors will review the completed Form 3-177 and any required permits or certificates. They will also physically inspect the shipment to ensure the fish are properly labeled, packaged, and transported in accordance with USFWS regulations.
If the shipment meets all requirements, the USFWS will clear it for release to U.S. Customs. If issues are found, the shipment may be held until the problems are resolved or refused entry altogether.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
In addition to filing Form 3-177 and obtaining USFWS clearance, importers of live fish may need to comply with other federal, state, and local regulations, such as:
Obtaining necessary permits or licenses from state wildlife agencies
Meeting specific health and disease testing requirements
Ensuring proper packaging and transport conditions to minimize stress and mortality
Providing adequate food and water during transport
Arranging for timely delivery to the final destination
Importers should also be aware that certain fish species may be subject to additional restrictions or prohibitions due to concerns about invasive species, disease transmission, or conservation status.
By carefully following the USFWS regulations and requirements for importing live fish in 2024, importers can help ensure a smooth and successful process while protecting the health and safety of the fish and the environment. However, it is always advisable to consult with the USFWS or a licensed customs broker for the most up-to-date and specific guidance for your particular shipment.