importing koi to Canada

[Eugeneg]

Quote: Originally Posted by lyeric100 Hi All. I've been lurking and learning from you all for a few months now - Thank You! I've had garden pond koi for about 10 years now and want to step up to some nicer fish. There doesn't seem to be much selection locally, so I was thinking of importing some from the U.S. Has anyone done this, and how difficult would it be? Mary

It depends what you mean by nicer fish and price range . It is best to go to a local dealer if your purchase is under a few thousand . If you are going in the 15g range you could import your own from Japan . For me to have fish picked up and shipped from Toronto is $300 and then shipping on top and who needs the hassle and paper work .
I would contact the Garden club of BC Victoria 250 479 0947 or contact email gwenlangford@shaw.ca . If importing from the states all the dealers advertising on this board are quite reputable . In fact some based on the cost of doing busines are very reasnable .
Hope this helps
Regards
Eugene

[bekko]

Aside from BC, what are the restrictions on importing koi into Canada? What permits required?

thanks,
-steve

[Graham]

Nothing is required anywhere else in Canada

[Eugeneg]

Quote: Originally Posted by bekko Aside from BC, what are the restrictions on importing koi into Canada? What permits required? thanks, -steve

It is wise to have an import permit and have all the paperwork done and taxes paid before shipment lands . You can do this yourself but it is best to do it through a broker who has looked after fish imports . The broker then faxes the information to persons picking up fish who is familiar with all the receiving areas . I learned the hard way on my first shipment from Japan . At 2am I had to go through 4 people at customs who had difficulty in English and wanted me to wait till 8am . Luckily I had a binder with all the regulations but still a 2hr delay .
Before 911 driving in from US was easy I would just say I had pond fish and one would be waved through but not now ,you should have all the paperwork done . They are looking at regulations for rest of Canada right now so rules could change any time and depending from where the shipment comes from . The cost of broker and delivery from airport which is over an HR for me but can take several at airport is a little under $500 .
Last shipment the fish were allready in transit for 24 hr when they were tagged for inspection which would be the next morning so the broker looked after that but a 3 hr delay .
The air Canada unloaders go by numbers and no priority for livestock last shipment from Japan was last processed so 2hr delay .
That is why unless you are spending $15 g and that is over 20 with shipping it is best to go to your closest dealer and see what you are buying .
Regards
Eugene

[Graham]

Eugene, Both Gavin and I have brought fish in on a personal level and have needed nothing in the way of permits etc. It was just a matter of clearing therm through Customs as you would clear anything. All that needs to be paid is the taxes. I've driven fish back since 9/11 and the guys in St Stephens didn't even open the box, they just wanted the tax money

When Gavin takes fish to the shows, such as KA. he has no special papaer work to get back into Canada, other that the paper showing which ones he's taken out with him

I have another friend who has brought fish in on a commerical basis and again nothing special but a commerical entry and paying the GST.

I have no idea why you would bother with an expensive broker

Graham

[diamond*girl]

Quote: Originally Posted by Graham Nothing is required anywhere else in Canada

Besides BC, I believe PEI has some importing rules. But you're essentially right, for now at least. The CFIA is going to take over the importing of live aquatic animals and will come up with a new set of regs for every province (including permits and fees) as early as this year:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Aquatic Animal Health - Importation of Aquatic Animals Into Canada

[Graham]

An interesting little bit of info...the 2nd highest person in CFIA is koi kichi ...has huge holding tanks in his basement in Ottawa

[diamond*girl]

Oh, really . . . . hmmm, do you know this person? If so, could you pm me an e-mail address, I'd like to find out more info on the possible new regulations.

Thanks,
Ci

[Graham]

Hi yes Cam is a friend to both myself and Gavin. He won't post to the site but he's been a great help in getting Gavin in touch with Vets at CFIA and then thier counterparts in the US so that permits could be issued so fish could go into the States for shows.

I made Gavin aware of this thread and he's sent an email off to Cam and the Vets to see what he can find out.

Send me your email and I'll forward it off to Gavin and he can keep you in the loop.

G

[Eugeneg]

[quote=Graham;112587]Eugene, Both Gavin and I have brought fish in on a personal level and

I have no idea why you would bother with an expensive broker


Graham[/quot
It pays me to as the broker arranges and coordinates the delivery from Toronto Airport . I am just not willing to spend HR at the airport waiting for shipment . Neither can I handle large boxes . The 85cm fish I could not even lift one end of box and it was in transit 29 hr Being retired for 19 years I do not have the money either , fish are just part of small business I have and losses are taken off capital gains and I can afford to pay someone to look after them when away for summer .
If a shipment arrived in Buffalo I have no choice but to drive over border and had no problems up so far ,but if they wish to hold you up they can do so .
Regards
Eugene