Brining Shit Back From The States

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

So I'm planning a trip to Boston. What am I allowed to bring back from the states? Also, any good LFS or spots on the beach that anyones knows of?

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[Deptron]

I think if your gone more than 48hrs it's something like $700. As far as bringing back livestock.....no clue.

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Ya im talking livestock

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[heath]

how are you travelling, maybe check with a broker before you go.. I think its tricky and if its livestock, you don't want it being seized at the border or nailed for smuggling...I don't think that they have " frag tank" in prison...

 

[zoomster]

I go to Michigan and the US Caribbean quite a bit.
Up too $800 after 48hrs.
NO LIVESTOCK. They even confiscate fruit.
Lol

 

[nathan]

I believe you have to have a permit... then you need a broker and the livestock will be inspected. They will Sieze it if not done the proper way... plus they will Rip your car apart .

 

[zoomster]

Oh they will for sure. Trust me on that.

 

[Nick James]

I never had a problem with fish. Declared them in the past without issue. LPS and SPS are not allowed. I am under the impression softies are ok but you need to have some proof what it is.

Check the CITES list to verify.

http://checklist.cites.org/#/en

 

[zoomster]

I never had a problem with fish. Declared them in the past without issue. LPS and SPS are not allowed. I am under the impression softies are ok but you need to have some proof what it is.

Check the CITES list to verify.

http://checklist.cites.org/#/en

Really? I had big problems with just a stupid empty chonch shell because it didn't have some stamp on it that certified it as "properly cleaned and sanitized"
Was I snookered by customs canada?
And when I checked with customs canada about bringing some liverock here from the U.S. they told me flat out no. That any marine life must come through a licensed entity.

 

[Nick James]

http://ec.gc.ca/CITES/listedesespeces-specieslist/index.cfm?lang=En

I searched for various leathers, Zoas and Palys and they were not on the cites list. But you run the risk of getting an ignorant customs officer, who gives you a hassle.

 

[Nick James]

Really? I had big problems with just a stupid empty chonch shell because it didn't have some stamp on it that certified it as "properly cleaned and sanitized"
Was I snookered by customs canada?
And when I checked with customs canada about bringing some liverock here from the U.S. they told me flat out no. That any marine life must come through a licensed entity.

If the marine life attached to your rock is on the cites list than the above is correct. If you can show there is no coral on it they have no regulation preventing you from bringing back rock.

I have found that some customs officers are not exactly brushed up on every import/export law and as a result provide in accurate information as it's easier than looking it up.

 

[Nick James]

Sorry for the link to THAT forum but here is an email chain between someone and various government persons on the topic.

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/archive/index.php/t-4503.html

 

[zoomster]

You are very right about the variance in knowledge amongst customs officers.
I have found that as well.

 

[zoomster]

If the marine life attached to your rock is on the cites list than the above is correct. If you can show there is no coral on it they have no regulation preventing you from bringing back rock.

I have found that some customs officers are not exactly brushed up on every import/export law and as a result provide in accurate information as it's easier than looking it up.

Now you got me wanting to head to the states right now. Lol
Except of course for our crappy dollar.

 

[Nick James]

You are very right about the variance in knowledge amongst customs officers.
I have found that as well.

I asked some I knew, and some I didn't about bringing dog food across as in the past I saved quite a bit buying it there. Some knew the laws, some didn't. I bought it there for 8 years without issue until I got one that hassled me.. It was a good run.

 

[Nick James]

Now you got me wanting to head to the states right now. Lol
Except of course for our crappy dollar.

I have found prices here to be very competitive or better, especially on livestock believe it or not. Add in the exchange and hassle and it's not worth it in my opinion.

 

[zoomster]

Thats exactly what I have been saying for the last 2 years now. @Nick James .

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Ya I've been looking at the cites list, but if we fly the fish won't be too happy haha!

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[AdInfinitum]

I have found prices here to be very competitive or better, especially on livestock believe it or not. Add in the exchange and hassle and it's not worth it in my opinion.

I agree...for years I got everything from the US when there was no SW available in Canada...but there was also no CITES then either... you just kept it simple for the customs officers..."tropical fish and aquarium decorations" covered fish and corals back then...lol

However lately not even considering how much tighter it is to import things other than fish...when I go to stores in the states all I see is how much cheaper and better the selection is in Mississauga, unless perhaps if you were to go to Southern California or a really major centre.
Considering how much stuff Jay (Reef Raft) ships out to SoCal, Detroit, NY etc. I think we honestly have one of the best places to shop right in our own backyards.

 

[TORX]

Here is the answer to the debate. Are you okay loosing it (and the money) at the border? If YES, then by all means take the chance. If NO, then do not even try.

Basically their are so many stipulations about it that there is a good chance that you will get hauled in no matter what. If you get hauled in, your car for sure will be stripped and searched as well as you and who ever you are with. You could end up being there hours while sorting out the particulars and in the end may or may not be able to continue with your item, or they may just throw it in the trash. There is a reason that only some places bring things across the border when it comes to livestock. The same reason why all stores work together when doing it. To be safe, it is expensive and stressful. Stick to dry goods. I think snails are 100% okay so long as you have the scientific name and prove that it is for personal use. Talk to @Neopimp about that, he has done that a few times at Sarnia IIRC.