Please Note: Nick’s Aquariums does not cover any quotation, inspection, or permit fees charged for importing live fish into Tasmania. All such costs are the responsibility of the purchaser, as these fees are not associated with us.
At Nick’s Aquariums, we aim to provide our Tasmanian customers with clear and accurate information to assist with the compliant importation of live fish. Tasmania maintains strict biosecurity controls to safeguard its unique aquatic ecosystems. It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure all regulatory requirements are met before receiving live fish from us.
Important Considerations for Importing Live Fish into Tasmania
1. Confirm Permitted Species
- Only species listed on the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) Permissible Imports List are approved for import into Tasmania.
- Importers must confirm their intended species appears on this list prior to placing an order.
2. Obtain Required Permits
- Importation is restricted to registered fish dealers under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995.
- If you are not a registered dealer, a permit must be obtained from the IFS before importing.
3. Prohibited Species
- The importation of freshwater shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates is prohibited, with the sole exception of live blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus).
- Species classified as controlled or noxious under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995 or the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 are strictly prohibited.
4. Health and Disease Requirements
- All imported fish must be certified as disease-free.
- A completed Certificate for the Importation of Live Freshwater Fish into Tasmania (Declaration by Consignor) is required for each shipment.
5. Packaging and Documentation
- All consignments must be clearly labelled as containing live fish.
- Labels must include both the common name and scientific name of each species.
- All permits and declaration forms must be securely attached to the outside of the shipping container.
6. Notification of Arrival
- Importers are required to notify Biosecurity Tasmania prior to the shipment’s arrival.
- Shipment details must be emailed in advance to noi.biosecurity@nre.tas.gov.au.
7. Compliance with Relevant Legislation
- All imports must comply with the Biosecurity Act 2019.
- Importers should also familiarise themselves with the Inland Fisheries Act 1995 and the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Import Process
- Verify species eligibility – Check the IFS Permissible Imports List.
- Secure required permits – Ensure you hold the appropriate registrations or approvals.
- Label shipments correctly – Include all mandatory information.
- Complete disease-free certification – Submit the required declaration form.
- Notify Biosecurity Tasmania – Provide shipment details prior to arrival.
Additional Resources
- IFS Permissible Imports List
- Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual
- Rules for Importing Live Aquatic Animals
If you have any questions or require assistance prior to placing an order, please contact Nick’s Aquariums. We are happy to assist importers in meeting Tasmania’s biosecurity requirements for a smooth and compliant import process.