December 10, the new fish importation regulations come into effect. This means that all importations of fish must be declared at the border and need to be accompanied by information regarding, species, point of origin and a declaration that you are importing them for personal use. We were told that the CFIA would be placing forms on their site to help hobbyists deal with this but it does not appear that they have managed to do so as yet, until then hobbyists will need to have the following types of information.
For further info: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/imp/petani/fispoie.shtml For fish not on Schedule III, the declaration must include: the name and address of the exporter and importer, the scientific name of the aquatic animal, the life stage it is at, and the number of animals being imported, if more than one the country in which the aquatic animal originated from or where the germplasm came from and, in the case of an aquatic animal, whether it was born in captivity or in the wild.
Species (including guppies, zebra danios, many gouramis) that are on the Schedule III must have further information that accompany their importation for personal use and are subject to other limitations. Pet aquatic animal exemption: When importing an aquatic animal, an import permit will not be required when the owner can present proof of their identity and their ownership of the aquatic animal to the inspector at the point of entry into Canada, attest to the fact that the pet animal has not been taken to a show or display outside of Canada, keep the pet animal in their household aquarium ensure the pet animal is not exposed to any aquatic animals other than those kept in the household, for one year following the importation, not import another pet aquatic animal for the period of 90 days after the importation and keep all records of the importation. For further info: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/imp/petani/fispoie.shtml
Enforcement is in the hands of Canada Border Services and not any of the professionals who may know anything about fish. So be prepared with the required paperwork or expect to have problems and even be refused entry with fish. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Bob
Source: From the CAOAC Website, www.caoac.ca