Buying fish from US
 

I tried finding info, and think I understand the rules, bu wanted to check with everyone else. If I am to buy fish in US, ship to US border, and then pickup and transport across the border into Canada, what sort of paperwork do I need.

I know there is a list of susceptible species list, but none of the saltwater fish are on it that I would be interested in. As such i dont need any sort of importing permit. But questions still remains what paperwork do I need, or at least what info should I be prepared to show at the border.

Thanks for the help.

From what i understand, And correct me if im wrong.

You need import permit if its not on the susceptible list.
You dont need import permit if its on the list.

You also need CITES permit if its on the CITES list.
You dont need CITES if its not on the CITES list.


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You got it backwards:

Aquatic animals that are brought into Canada must be declared and in the case of aquatic animals on the susceptible species list, must have an import permit unless otherwise exempt.

Unless things have drastically changed in the past 10 years fish are not a problem. When I used to cross with them I just showed up at the border and told them I have aquarium fish. I used to bring them back all the time.

I believe Bangai Cardinals on on the Cites List but not sure if anything else is.

Great, thanks very much. Will ask border person next time I cross, just to see what they say info wise. Truth be told I would be surprised if I needed to jump through a lot of hoops for aquarium fish, but wanted to check just to be on the safe side.

You

Who?

Not to be a downer but

Personally I would just contact CBSA they will tell you what you can and can’t bring back.

I don’t take anything at face value at the border remember CBSA has wide discretionary powers and you as the traveller have very limited rights all it takes is one officer to ruin your day.

This is true as well, however I have been in opposite situation before too. Talked to CBSA, got info that I needed, only to have been told completely different thing by CBSA border officer. According to him, I was given wrong info over the phone by someone who didnt know what they are talking about.

I think there is always a chance for running into situation like this, and unfortunately I dont think there is a right way of going about it. Someone can always say that the other person gave you wrong info, and not much you can do about it.

Well then, write CBSA a letter and they will write back the answer. Now you have it on paper and you bring that to the border with you.
That worked for me at the border, on another quite different topic.