Importing Marine Fish?

[Dirk_brijs]

Not sure if I should post here or at the legal advise.

I am looking to import and substantial amount of marine fish and Inverts into the country for my large saltwater aquarium set up I am currently building.

The supplier could provide me with all the papers needed from his side (Indonesia) but is not sure about the needs from my side?

Would I be needing some sort of paper works and licenses?

What would I be taxed on the shipment if not intended for sale but for private use?

Can anyone help me here?

[Dirk_brijs]

anyone can help?

or should I post in the legal section?

[steelepulse]

You need to get an import license, but can't remember from what department.

[thenoilif]

You will need to get a live animal import license from the Fisheries Department. Fish are generally not an issue and the permit is easy to obtain it just takes some time, but inverts can be iffy. Stoney corals (SPS and LPS) are strictly prohibited and cannot be imported or exported legally for commercial purposes. Some soft corals are also restricted. The government basically will only allow mushroom corals, soft corals like Zoanthids, leathers, trees, etc. to be imported and you have to list the exact scientific name on the paperwork. Tridacnids (Clams) are also illegal. Anemones are ok as are crabs, shrimp, and other mobile inverts.

I have imported marine fish from various places including Indonesia, Red Sea, Africa, US, HI and have never had an issue with fish. Corals are a different story. I know a few guys who have the right connections and can get around the illegalities but it seems to be a major hassle just to bring in a few boxes of corals so I just buy mine from them and let them deal with the possible ramifications.

[worgeordie]

Hi Dirk-brijs, I think you would have many problems if you imported,

Marine fish from anywhere really, just to fill 1 aquarium,no matter

how big it is, You have no guarantee they will send you the fish

you ask for,so you may get some uncompilable species,plus

introducing so many fish at once will lead to big problems with

Ammonia, and disease,

Your best bet would be to buy from a supplier in Bangkok,that

way you get to see what you are buying and can add a few fish

at a time over several weeks, You may think the fish from Indonesia

seem cheap compared to whats available locally ,but it will end out

to be an expensive lesson for you.

I know what I am talking about as I used to be a Aquatic Wholesaler/Importer,

So please take my advice,it will save you money and hassle,and the lives of

some beautiful fish

Regards Worgeordie

[realfunster]

Can't help but would like to see photos of your set-up when finished- sounds interesting.