About applying for a permit to import fish on recreational basis

To import fish, such as marine fish for recreational basis; you must apply for a permit at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a delegated authority grants the permit. You cannot sell the imported fish but you can use it for personal consumption or use.

You must apply at least two weeks prior to your departure to allow for processing. You cannot import fish on recreational basis without the import permit. You do not need a permit 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.

The following imports are restricted:

• You cannot import Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) listed species (for more information about the CITES, visit (www.cites.org).
• If you are importing the fish for personal consumption or use, the permit will only be valid for the duration of the trip to and from the country of destination.
• You cannot import live marine fish.
  

Note: The recreational import permit excludes fresh water fish. You must apply for a new permit after 6 months. Failure to adhere to permit conditions may result in its suspension or cancellation.

What you should do

• Go to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cape Town: Ground Floor, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town to get the Application for a permit to import fish.
• Complete the application forms 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
• state how will the fish be imported (Frozen/Chilled Fresh/etc.)
• a certified copy of the identity document of each applicant
  

• Pay the prescribed fee in the following account:
  Bank: First National Bank
  Account number: 62123256382
  Account Type: Current
  Account Name: Marine Living Resources Fund
  Branch Name: Corporate Account Service Cape Town
  Branch Code: 204109
  Call the customer service centre for reference (021 402 3911)
  

• Attach the following to the application form:
• proof of payment (bank deposit slip of payment  fee of R505 per applicant)
• proof of physical address, contact telephone,  fax number, and email address in South Africa
• a certified copy of the identity document
  

• Submit the application forms to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries: Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012.. You cannot fax or email your application.

How long does it take

It may take 7 working days or more, subject to proper lodging of the application.

How much does it cost

• Application fee - R240
• Permit fee - R265

Forms to complete

Go to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cape Town: Ground Floor, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town to get the Application to import fish on recreational basis form.

Who to contact