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 > Home  > Services for organisations  > Import  > Fish on recreational basis
    
Application for a permit to import fish on a recreational basis
    

Description | Steps to follow | Legal framework | Service standard | Cost | Forms to complete | Contact details

Description

Recreational fishing is engagement in a fishing-related activity such as recreational importing of marine fish for recreational purposes. To import marine fish on a recreational basis, you must apply for a recreational import permit which is granted by the Minister of Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the delegated authority. The imported fish must not be offered for sale, but for personal consumption or use. No person shall import marine fish without a recreational import permit. Apply for a new recreational import permit when the existing one expires. Failure to adhere to permit conditions may result in its suspension or cancellation.

NB: The recreational import permit excludes fresh water fish which is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Applications for an import permit for fresh water live or tropical fish must be made and granted to the Department.

The following import restrictions are applicable:

  • No CITES listed species are to be imported. (For more information about the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES),visit http://www.cites.org
  • Import Permits issued for recreational imports of fish for personal use or consumption will be valid for the duration of the trip to and from the country of destination.
  • No live marine fish may be imported.

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Steps to follow

  • Complete the relevant application forms and submit them to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, together with the following information:
    • dates of departure and return to South Africa
    • name of the country visited
    • identify the South African border post that will be used on return to South Africa
    • proof of physical address, contact telephone and fax numbers in South Africa
    • state how will the fish be imported (Frozen/Chilled Fresh/etc.)
    • a certified copy of the identity document of each applicant
    • proof of payment (bank deposit slip of permit fee of R120 per applicant)
    • no faxes, copies and emails will be accepted
    • forms can be submitted by hand or post.

Please note:

  • Apply at least two weeks prior to your departure to allow for processing.
  • No permit is required for bait. However, please ensure that you have in your possession either a recreational bait permit (only the daily bag limit can be transported) or a cash slip for bait purchased.

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Legal framework

(Documents are provided in PDF format. To open PDF documents, you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on your computer.)

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Service standard

The application process may take 7 working days or more subject to proper lodging of the application.

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Cost

An application fee of R120 inclusive

Banking details are as follows:

Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Corporate Account Service Cape Town
Branch code: 204109
Account: Current
Account No. 62123256382
Account Name: Marine Living Resources Fund
Ref. No. Please contact: Customer Service Centre at 0861 123 626

Fees are subject to an annual review or determination by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism or delegated authority, together with the Minister of Finance.

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Forms to complete

Application to import fish on recreational basis. The form is available from the department or the regional office in Cape Town.

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Contact details

Regional offices
Province: Western Cape
City/town: Cape Town
Tel: 021 402 3911
Fax: 021 402 3367
Physical address: 2nd Floor, Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Foretrust Building, Martinhamerschlag Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000
Postal address: Private Bag X28012, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012

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Last reviewed:18 May 2010
    
 
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