Bringing shrimp to the US

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:28 pm

I know this was mentioned in a different topic, but my problem is how to LEGALLY bring shrimp from Europe to the USA. I'm moving to the States and want to take some (OK, let's say A LOT

) shrimp with me. I can arrange for a vet's certificate. Has anyone did this before? Smuggling is not for me, I'm a coward

fishgeek · Post by **fishgeek** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:43 am

for dog's and cats an importation certificate is required for the state you will be travelling too

if the local state laws classify shrimp as pets you maybe able to just get a certified letter from the vet

more likely to wpould need to have some form of importation licence though

best idea would be to check with the state you are travelling to and their relevant quarantine/government animal departments

andrew

Snowball · Post by **Snowball** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:13 pm

I smuggled a Turtle once from POLAND too. I put it in the camera case and wore it around my neck.

You can always send them to yourself though the post office via Express Mail if you are a coward smuggling them.

Post by **Mustafa** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:28 pm

You need an import license from US fish and wildlife. It has a one time fee associated with it.

Post by **Mustafa** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:30 pm

Snowball wrote:I smuggled a Turtle once from POLAND too. I put it in the camera case and wore it around my neck.

You can always send them to yourself though the post office via Express Mail if you are a coward smuggling them.

I hope I am reading it wrong, but I am sure you do not want to publicly advocate animal smuggling, right? Let's keep such "tips" off the forum.

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:09 am

Thanks all for the valuable info, I'll start arranging things, maybe it won't be so difficult

tapmxt1 · Post by **tapmxt1** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:12 pm

You need to complete a form in US Fish and Wildlife dept when you come in (after immigration and before US custom).

If you bring in small quantity, you can claim them as personal collection/hobby. Use O'hare (Chicago) airport as an example (not sure about other airports but I think the process should be the same or similar), after passing the immigration and get the luggages, ask for US Fish and Wildlife dept. You need to fill out a form of the live items you want to bring in (common name, scientific name, quantity, and values). The officer will examine the live animal to make sure they are what you have claimed and stamp the form. Then you take the form to US custom.

(I asked an officer in O'hare airport last year and she told me, quantity above 8 of one type may be considered as "commercial").

If the officer suspects that the animals are for trading/commercial purpose, you will be asked to apply for an import/export license -- $50 from last year's rate.

If you plan to bring in protected animals, you need to apply for a permit. I do not know if you can apply for a permit on site (i.e. at arrival). For protected animals, I belive you need an import/export license regardless it is for yourself or for trade (maybe I am wrong).

For the BANned animals, they are simply BANned (such as asian arrowana).

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:23 pm

Thanks tapmxt1

BTW - I found this site:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacat ... ndWildlife

Maybe someone else might be interested. Looks like I'll have to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before I leave Poland.

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Fri May 19, 2006 10:21 am

Guess I won't bring any shrimp with me to the US for technical reasons - the guy that was to set-up a few tanks for them won't be able to do it, he is going on vacation. I'm mad

Mustafa, looks like you'll have a large order soon

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Fri May 19, 2006 11:25 am

Where are you moving to? Maybe someone here can help.

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:41 pm

I'll be in Chicago. I've been to Chicago last December and visited a few pet stores specializing in aquaristics. Except for some Amano shrimp and Atyopsis moluccensis - nothing

Anyway, I always look at the bright side of life

Not being able to take some shrimp with me is not a tragedy, although I am a little mad/sad. I'm positive I'll figure some way to set-up a few tanks in a couple of months and get some shrimp. Maybe I need a break

Besides, I only planned to take some Red Claws, Snowballs and Cambarellus patzcuarensis (miniature crays). I know Mustafa has Snowballs for sale, I'll just have to figure out how to get new Red Claws and the crays.

Newjohn · Post by **Newjohn** » Fri May 19, 2006 4:15 pm

Hi Jackie

Sorry to hear about your technical problems.
Not many of the LFS carries Inverts around the Chicago Area.

As for the Cambarellus patzuarensis.
After you get settled in to your new location. PM me .I live on the other side of the BIG LAKE.

Have Fun Moving
John

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:08 pm

Newjohn wrote:As for the Cambarellus patzuarensis.
After you get settled in to your new location. PM me and I can see about setting you up with a pair.

You are an ANGEL

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'll get in touch as soon as I'll settle in the US.

People are good

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Sat May 20, 2006 9:39 am

I know I started this thread going in this direction, but swapping & selling are against the rules, even gifts. The best thing to do is say something like "I live in Chicago- PM me".

Newjohn · Post by **Newjohn** » Sat May 20, 2006 11:50 am

Point taken

I should have said that in a different way.