The import requirements and health certification for Northern Ireland may be different from those imposed on animals exported to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Where this entry refers to 'Great Britain' or 'GB', this will be taken to mean Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Contact the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the United Kingdom (UK) for further information.

If you require assistance with importing aquatic animals to Northern Ireland, you may seek assistance by contacting their authority via email at daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk.

See also Transiting animals and animal products through Great Britain.​

Refer to these and the Department's websites for current information about exporting animals (including any suspensions).​​

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements for Great Britain.

The importation of aquatic animals into GB is strictly regulated under UK legislation and enforced by the Department through Departmental officers in the regional office from where the animals are to be exported.​

​​From 30 April 2024, the UK Government introduced updated model health certificates for many live fish and shellfish commodities. Information about the process to import live fish and shellfish, including model health certificates, into GB can be found on the UK Government website.

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

It is the responsibility of the exporter to use the appropriate health certificate and ensure that this and any accompanying declarations are in English.

The UK Government has published a model health certificate that must be used for all consignments of aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities exported to the UK on or after 30 April 2024.

Certificate for movement of aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities to the UK:​​​​

• Model health certificate for aquatic animals for closed ornamental ACO (GBHC671 v1.0 Aug-23) (PDF 153 KB)​
  

Australian Departmental officers will only endorse health certification for animals destined to the UK if it is written in English.

Australian Departmental officers will not endorse health certification for animals destined to the UK if only presented in a language other than English.

The UK Government has published guidance for exporters completing health certification for animals destined to the UK.

Email

Imports@apha.gov.uk

Permission to move aquatic animals out of Australia

You may need permission under wildlife trade laws to move aquatic animals out of Australia. Refer to the Department’s International and wildlife trade requirements.

Email

wildlifetrade@dcceew.gov.au

Export from Australia of Australian native hatchery bred fingerlings or ova should be accompanied by approval of the hatchery facility from the appropriate State or Federal authority. Refer to the Department’s Exporting fish and fish products from Australia for information about exports for human consumption.

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

Pre- and post-arrival quarantine requirements

The importing country may have specific pre- and post-arrival quarantine requirements and you should check this.

Based on importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 18 July 2024.