Coral Importing

[BobFish]

What is the process of bringing in corals from the USA.

[Myka]

You want to order LPS or SPS corals from a US vendor? If so, the biggest issue is finding a vendor that will do the CITES permitting for you. Also, CITES permitting is almost impossible on almost all named corals too which is really annoying because they are cultured corals, but that's how the laws work.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by BobFish

What is the process of bringing in corals from the USA.

• Hand them your wallet, then bend over and wait for the pain.
• Repeat.
• Never receive your corals.
• Give up.

[albert_dao]

Also, if you plan to cross the border in person, don't think you'll get a free pass just because you're bringing over Softies or Anemones (which don't have a CITIES). All it takes is one cautious and/or clueless border guard to put a serious dent in your day. They WILL take your corals and you will have no recourse.

[Etaloche]

I extensively looked into this recently as well and saw that the fines for getting caught with corals without claiming it was over $10,000, immediately noped.

[TheWatchmanGoby]

how do canadian vendors have what seem like u.s corals than? i.e Jason fox signature corals, or bounce mushrooms? Dont these corals originate in the US?

[Etaloche]

Originally Posted by TheWatchmanGoby

how do canadian vendors have what seem like u.s corals than? i.e Jason fox signature corals, or bounce mushrooms? Dont these corals originate in the US?

I believe you need to properly fill out CITES and get clearance permitted to import corals.
Big vendors will have "easier" time with these due to their reputation and big volumes but I am not the most educated when it comes to border protocol. This is just the small bits of information I picked up during my short research.

[reef-keeper]

When I ordered my dwarf sea horses I was told the exporter is responsible for all the permits required. And that was by the company I bought them from. All I had to do was wait. But I call the everyone from fish and wildlife to the CBSA. All I had to pay was duty and gay.

[reef-keeper]

Won't let me edit. That should say GST.

[Etaloche]

Originally Posted by reef-keeper

When I ordered my dwarf sea horses I was told the exporter is responsible for all the permits required. And that was by the company I bought them from. All I had to do was wait. But I call the everyone from fish and wildlife to the CBSA. All I had to pay was duty and GST.

Fish are apparently easier to import than corals, not all shippers are willing to do the paperwork either. If you happen to find one that is willing and willing to ship to Canada please let me know!