FISH IMPORT CUSTOM CLEARANCE UK
Trusted Customs Support for Seafood Importers
Importing fish into the UK requires precision, speed, and full compliance. Fish import custom clearance UK is complex. However, with the right customs partner, it becomes straightforward.
At Aerona Customs Clearance, we actively manage your seafood consignments from arrival to release. We reduce delays. We protect your margins. Most importantly, we ensure compliance.
Whether you import fresh, frozen, or processed fish, we handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business.
Why Fish Import Custom Clearance UK Requires Specialist Knowledge
Fish and seafood are highly regulated products. Therefore, errors can result in serious delays, spoilage, or financial loss.
Fish import custom clearance UK requires:
- Accurate commodity codes
- Health certificates and catch certificates
- IPAFFS pre-notification
- Border Control Post (BCP) coordination
- HMRC customs declarations
- Duty and VAT calculations
We submit declarations correctly. We communicate with authorities quickly. As a result, your goods move efficiently.
Our Fish Import Custom Clearance UK Services
We provide complete end-to-end support.
1. Customs Declarations
We complete and submit CDS declarations accurately. This prevents unnecessary queries.
2. Health & Veterinary Documentation
We verify Export Health Certificates. In addition, we coordinate with Border Control Posts.
3. IPAFFS Pre-Notification
We manage IPAFFS submissions on your behalf. Timing is critical. We ensure compliance.
4. Tariff Classification & Duty Advice
We confirm correct commodity codes. This avoids overpayment or penalties.
5. Port & Border Coordination
We liaise directly with ports and inspection authorities. Your shipment remains priority.
Fish Import Custom Clearance UK – What We Handle
We support importers bringing in:
- Fresh chilled fish
- Frozen seafood
- Shellfish
- Processed fish products
- Farmed fish
- Wild-caught fish
Each product type has specific requirements. Therefore, preparation is essential.
Common Questions About Importing Fish into the UK
Do I need a licence to import live fish into the UK?
Yes. You must be authorised by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) before importing live fish, shellfish, molluscs or crustaceans into the UK.
You must also:
- Obtain an Animal Health Certificate
- Pre-notify via IPAFFS
- Enter through an approved Border Control Post (BCP)
- Ensure the supplier is approved
- Obtain CITES permits if the species is protected
Failure to do so can result in seizure, fines, or destruction of goods.
How do I import live fish into the UK legally?
To legally import live fish into the UK, you must:
- Register as an Aquaculture Production Business (APB)
- Gain FHI approval
- Obtain the correct Export Health Certificate
- Submit IPAFFS notification within required timeframes
- Route goods via a designated Border Control Post
Aerona manages the entire customs and compliance process to prevent delays.
What documents are required to import fish into the UK?
Required documents depend on whether the fish are live or for human consumption.
For live fish, you need:
- FHI authorisation
- Animal Health Certificate (EHC)
- IPAFFS pre-notification (UNN number)
- Transport documents (AWB, Bill of Lading, CMR)
- CITES permit (if applicable)
For fishery products (frozen or processed fish):
- Export Health Certificate
- Validated Catch Certificate (IUU compliance)
- Commercial invoice & packing list
- Customs declaration
Incorrect documentation can trigger Regulation 23 or Regulation 16 notices
What happens if I import fish without the correct paperwork?
Importing fish without correct documentation can result in:
- Immediate rejection at the border
- Seizure or destruction
- Unlimited fines
- Criminal prosecution
- Storage and inspection fees
- Regulation 23 or 16 legal notices
In serious cases, consignments may be isolated for up to 3 weeks for disease testing.
How long does FHI authorisation take?
Once you apply to become an Aquaculture Production Business (APB):
- Inspection usually happens within 7 working days
- IPAFFS notifications must be submitted:
- 72 hours before sea freight
- 48 hours before air/rail
- 2 hours before certain road imports
Missing deadlines can cause automatic border delays.
What is an Aquaculture Production Business (APB)?
An APB is any business that:
- Farms, breeds or cultivates fish or shellfish
- Intervenes in rearing (feeding, stocking, protecting)
- Owns the stock during cultivation
If you import fish for farming, ornamental trade, or breeding, you are classed as an APB.
What is a Regulation 23 notice in fish imports?
A Regulation 23 notice is issued when documentation errors are found for live fish susceptible to controlled diseases.
It temporarily pauses the consignment while corrections are made.
This does not always mean destruction — but it causes delay and additional costs.
What is a Regulation 16 notice?
A Regulation 16 notice is typically issued for documentation errors involving non-susceptible species.
It focuses on paperwork inconsistencies rather than disease risk
Can fish still enter the UK if paperwork errors are corrected?
Yes, in some cases.
- Susceptible species may be isolated at an APHA-approved site
- Non-susceptible species may proceed after corrections
- Replacement certificates may be accepted (officer discretion)
However, if errors cannot be corrected, goods may be destroyed or re-exported
What happens at a UK Border Control Post (BCP)?
At a BCP, fish imports undergo:
- Documentary checks
- Identity verification
- Physical inspections (risk-based)
- Temperature checks (for food fish)
- Disease testing (if required)
Inspection rates vary depending on risk category under the UK Border Target Operating Model
What is a Catch Certificate and why is it required?
A Catch Certificate proves that wild-caught fish were legally sourced and not from Illegal, Unreported or Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Without it, your shipment may be automatically detained or rejected.
What is CITES and does it apply to fish imports?
CITES regulates international trade in endangered species.
If your fish species is CITES-listed:
- You must obtain import and export permits
- Goods must enter through designated ports
- Non-compliance can lead to seizure, fines, or imprisonment
Common examples include sturgeon (caviar), seahorses and certain sharks.
Can I import Koi fish into the UK?
Yes, but it is highly regulated.
You must:
- Be FHI authorised
- Submit IPAFFS notification
- Provide a valid health certificate
- Enter via an approved BCP
- Submit a Biosecurity Measures Plan
Coldwater species require additional controls
What is a biosecurity measures plan?
A biosecurity plan outlines how you prevent:
- Disease introduction
- Cross-contamination
- Spread of invasive non-native species
It is legally required for many live fish imports, particularly ornamental and coldwater species.
What is the difference between importing live fish and frozen fish?
Live fish imports focus on:
- Animal health certification
- Disease controls
- FHI inspections
Frozen or processed fish imports focus on:
- Food safety
- Export Health Certificates
- Catch certificates
- SPS border inspections
Compliance requirements differ significantly.
What fish can be imported for human consumption?
Common imported species include:
- Salmon
- Cod
- Tuna
- Tilapia
- Hake
- Shrimp and prawns
- Crab and lobster
- Mussels, oysters and clams
All must originate from approved establishments and meet UK SPS standards.
Why are bivalve molluscs heavily regulated?
Bivalves (oysters, mussels, clams) filter large volumes of water and can accumulate:
- E. coli
- Norovirus
- Harmful algae toxins
They pose higher food safety risk, so controls are stricter.
How much does it cost to import fish into the UK?
Costs depend on:
- Customs duty and VAT
- Inspection fees
- Port health charges
- Storage fees
- Testing fees (if required)
Errors increase costs significantly.
Do I need to use a customs clearing agent for fish imports?
While not legally mandatory, fish imports are highly regulated.
Using a specialist customs clearing agent reduces:
- Delays
- Border rejections
- Legal notices
- Storage costs
- Risk of destruction
Contact our specialist team right away for expert advice and professional support
Save Money
Getting everything right first time is vital for anyone whose business involves importing. Customs problems have to be avoided because delays can be disastrous.
Save Time
You can totally rely on the industry’s leading freight agents to ensure your valuable products speed their way through customs and reach your markets without delay.
Save Hassle
In other words you can trust us to take care of everything so that imports arrives safely and on time and you don’t have to worry.
A Few Words From Our Customers
We are a privately owned and based in Greater Manchester, England and we have many years experience working with large and small importers and exporters ranging from major blue chip international organizations, to private individuals who need expert help in sending consignments abroad or bringing them into this country.
All business is handled personally by our experienced managers and staff, who over the years have established a unique network of contacts including direct access links to all UK ports and airport terminals.
Our worldwide customs clearance services incorporate forwarding, logistics, Air and Sea freight to and from virtually all the major nations, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, plus countries throughout the Middle East and Africa.
With an international network of agents in 84 countries, we are able to offer a global solution and total reassurance to all our customers that their shipments will arrive on time.
Every customer’s needs are different, therefore, in addition to our structured services; we provide a flexible, personalized partnership that can be tailored to meet any need.
SOCIAL, FINANCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
It is crucial that every company establishes a policy of social, financial and environmental responsibility.
At Aerona Customs Clearing Agents Ltd it is a commitment we take very seriously.
Social
As a company we believe that everyone should be respected. This includes our staff, our customers, all our business associates around the world, plus the wider community within which we live and work.
Financial
We also believe that we should be a financially responsible organisation. That means, whilst operating in a businesslike way, we should always conduct ourselves in a fair, honest and trustworthy manner. As a company we are also committed to supporting a number of charities and worthwhile causes.
Environmental
Our corporate responsibility also applies to the way we view and treat our environment and we do our utmost to minimise waste and pollution and try to be at all times ecologically aware. Whenever possible we also encourage our fellow business colleagues to adopt a similar environmental agenda.
Contact our specialist team right away for expert advice and professional support.
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