Guidance

Apply for authorisation to import live fish and shellfish (form AAH2)

Apply to become authorised to import live fish and shellfish in England and Wales

Applies to England and Wales

Use this form to apply to the Fish Health Inspectorate to be authorised to import live fish or shellfish, as required under The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.

This covers imports for:

  • aquaculture at an authorised farm   
  • further processing for human consumption 
  • your personal collection 
  • ornamental trade (susceptible and non-susceptible species) 
  • relaying and depuration 
  • scientific research

To import dead fish and shellfish for human consumption, contact the Food Standards Agency.

Apply for authorisation to import live fish and shellfish 

Before starting this application you should know: 

  • whether the fish you want to import are non-susceptible or susceptible  species, if your reason for importing is ornamental trade 
  • your authorisation number - if you want to renew an existing authorisation 
  • the site details, including the national grid reference 
  • the type and number of holding facilities you’ll use, if any 
  • the suppliers’ details and fish species – or just the supply country for the import of any non-susceptible species for ornamental trade

Start now

We aim to process your application within 15 working days. We will contact you if we need more information. 

Site inspection 

A site inspection may be needed for imports of: 

  • susceptible species for ornamental trade 

  • fish for human consumption 

If these are needed, Cefas will contact you after you submit your application. 

Related legislation 

See other legislation and guidance that you may need to follow when importing fish and shellfish.

Get help 

If you need help completing your application or you have questions, contact the Fish Health Inspectorate:  

Updates to this page

Published 19 March 2026

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