Wendell, you are correct in saying that live goods shipments are
allowed into Canada from the US, pending that they are not CITES Listed. If you guys are refering to the Nassarius spp. and Turbo spp. snails as advertised on-line (i.e. EBAY and Reef Central), these species are not CITES Listed. I wanted the same clarification around importing live goods from the US, so I started inquiring about 2 weeks ago. First of all, I determined that these and a few others (such as most Hermit crabs) are not CITES listed. Just today, I found out from US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) will allow the transportation and Customs clearance of these species providing that the US Exporter obtains an Export Permit from US FWS. Apparently, one copy is to accompany the shipment and the other is to be mailed to the Canadian receiver for confirmation. I am not sure of the cost of this permit, but I have heard others say that it costs $55 US, but is a one time permit per shipment; therefore, one should place a big order to take full advantage of its cost. This must have something to do with FREE Trade.
Over and above all of this, I have been asked to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Import Service Centre for further Canadian regulations. BTW, about one week ago, I sent them an email regarding this and still await a response from our fellow Canadian regulators. Talk about hassle and NO guaranteed arrival by most US vendors. I side with Bob & Wendell whom believe that live good imports are best left to our professional Canadian retailers such as J&L and SWC.
Have any others out there had Live Good shipping experiences from US vendors that could be shared here?
Is there anyone that could shed some light on this subject?