Importing Tropical Fish Into The Usa

[JeffroM]

I did a search for Importing topics and couldn't find much information on importing tropical fish into the USA. I was hoping some one with experience could walk me through the process.

I'm assuming you need a license with Fish and Wildlife?
Is it just federally regulated or do the states get involved too?
What difficulties do you typically have with customs when picking up your orders from the airport? Do customs delays end up causing lots of deaths?

If you have experience with importing I would greatly appreciate if you would share your knowledge.

Thanks,
Jeffro

 

[Synirr]

A good person to email about this would be Linda Olson, she is a transshipper and usually happy to answer any questions anyone may have. I asked what permits she needed once, and her reply was:

"Yes, I have to maintain an import license ($100 per year) and also a non-designated Port Permit license ($100 per year)."

I didn't ask what has to be done at the airport, but I assume there's some paperwork.