When are live fish imports illegal?
All imports of live fish into Great Britain must be accompanied by a movement document/health certificate attesting that the fish are healthy and free from disease. The documents must be issued and signed by the veterinary authorities in the country of origin. Prior notice must also be sent to CEFAS. Imports which fail to meet these criteria are illegal. Throughout the European Union there are approved farms and zones (EC directive 91/67) These are EC-designated areas which have been tested for and shown to be free of certain of the most serious fish diseases. Great Britain is currently an approved zone for VHS and IHN. Live fish may be legally transferred between areas of equivalent status or when the supplying zone is of a higher health status, provided the above procedure is complied with. Imports which fail to comply contravene the provisions of the Fish Health Regulations 1997. There are also specific additional regulations to further protect UK fish stocks against other serious d
