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.

From 31 July 2025, import of aquatic animals for farming, ornamental use, relaying or depuration, put and take fisheries and other purposes into GB, or live aquatic animals for transit via GB must be undertaken under the GBHC676 AOOP: Aquaculture, ornamental and other purposes certificate.

Certificate for movement of aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities to or for transit via GB from 31 July 2025:

• UK Government website

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.

Refer to the guidance section at the bottom of health certificate GBHC676 when completing the certificate. In particular, please ensure you do the following:

• 1.12 should be completed, as stated in the guidance section of the GBHC676
• 1.16 should be completed with the name of the BCP of entry and the BCP code (E.g. GBMNC4 for Manchester live animal BCP)

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 3 August 2026.