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

Information on importing live fish into the United States is available from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), including any import restrictions on live fish, fertilized eggs and gametes susceptible to spring viremia of carp (SVC), an extremely contagious viral disease of carp, and Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV).

An import permit is required to import live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes from SVC-susceptible species and TiLV-susceptible species listed by the United States. The permit may have health certification conditions attached that must be complied with.

An import permit is not required to import live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes that are not susceptible to SVC or TiLV but you should check the APHIS information carefully at the time of export.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service may have specific requirements on the importation of fish considered endangered. The United States National Marine Fisheries may also have regulations relating to the import of live fish.

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

Health certification

For live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes that are susceptible to SVC or TiLV, as required by the import permit issued.

Based on importing country website information and import permits issued.

Entry last reviewed 7 August 2020.