Bringing corals from Canada?

[msumatt]

Hello everyone,

I'm taking my first international vacation to Canada! While I was there I thought I'd look at different corals and maybe fish to bring back, but I'm having difficulty finding information on how legal that is to do? Searching online only seems to give me info on cats and dogs however. I was hoping someone on here has done this before and would have some helpful info. Thanks in advance for the help.Bri

[larryandlaura]

You just got to get some paper work from customs? Are you shipping them back or packing them im your vehicle?

[Jim Z.]

You will need to have CITES paperwork if you are bringing in any SPS which verifies the origin of the particular corals. Contact US Fish and Wildlife and they have very strict import requirements as they are the folks that regulate wildlife importation. Its probably easier to order corals from US vendors rather than dealing with the hassle of meeting permit compliance. Their phone number is 734-247-6800.........................Jim Z.

[dlhirst]

+1 on Jim Zs comments. Also, at current C$ / US$ exchange there will likely be no chance for savings either.

[bluwc]

Originally Posted by dlhirst

+1 on Jim Zs comments. Also, at current C$ / US$ exchange there will likely be no chance for savings either.

It would be easier to ship them. A guy from Canada came through to MASMA swap a few months ago and his corals got confiscated when he tried to go home. It was a big hassle and I'm sure all the coral died....

Probably not worth it in my opinion.

[larryandlaura]

Just take a risk and smuggle them. Customs rarely search vehicles.

[steve&mari]

Cites run bout 200 for a load of coral where ya going reef raft has some awesome stuff in Canada.
Big Steve


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[Jim Z.]

Originally Posted by larryandlaura

Just take a risk and smuggle them. Customs rarely search vehicles.

USFW takes no prisoners regarding a violation of national wildlife and CITES laws. When you do not declare something, the fines get bigger, your passport will be registered with DHS and you will always get stopped. An incredibly ill advised statement ...............Jim Z.

[steve&mari]

I know reef raft has to buy the cites then drives the coral to buffalo then ships from there to us customers so its a hassle n cost is up there for the cites.
Big Steve

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[bluwc]

A friend of mine from Canada was working in Mi and didn't declare it. He was getting paid under the table and they some how found out. He got banned from crossing the border. After many years, he was able to get a letter from his govt allowing him to cross, but when they run his name.....it comes up banned or something. He provides them with his letter, then he's searched for hours both coming/going and it's a BIG hassle. Not worth lying to customs because if you get caught, you might never be able to cross the border again or at least for many many years.