About applying for a permit to export fish on commercial basis

To export fish, such as marine fish for profit making; 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.

If you are applying for an export permits for bigeye tuna, southern bluefin tuna, swordfish, Antarctic toothfish, and Patagonian toothfish, you must attach the relevant catch statistical document for each consignment.

Catch statistical documents are available from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Branch: Fisheries Management.

Note: This export permit expires after three months and it excludes fresh water fish. You must apply for a new permit once it has expired. Failure to adhere to permit conditions may result in its suspension or cancellation.

For the exportation of  species listed by  CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) you can contact the Department of Environmental Affairs. For more information about CITES visit www.cites.org.

What you should do

• Inform your nearest branch of South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) about your export consignment if the fish you intend to export is not fresh and not for human consumption; if the fish is fresh and for human consumption, you must inform the Port of Health.
• Go to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cape Town: Ground Floor, Branch: Fisheries  Management, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town to get the Application for a permit to export fish.
• Complete the application forms with the following information:
• physical addresses of importers in the destination country
• the common and scientific names of the species being exported
• quantities of species being exported
• copies of catch statistical documents need to be provided for all bigeye tuna, southern bluefin tuna, swordfish, Antarctic toothfish, and Patagonian toothfish exported under the previous export permit
• your identity document (ID) and registration documents for your company, close corporation or trust
• valid export permits from the Department of Trade and Industry or permit notifications (ITAC)
• tax clearance certificate as approved and issued by South African Revenue Services (SARS).
  

• In the case where an agent is involved, an agreement between two parties needs to be attached together with the ID copies of signatories
• If you do not have a fishing right permit, you must also submit the following:
• proof of supply and the physical addresses of the suppliers of the marine fish being exported
• common and scientific names of the species being exported
• quantities of species being exported.
  

• 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/ 021 402 3081/ 021 402 3670)
  

• Submit the application forms to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012 . You must post or submit the original applications; failing which you will nt be issued with the permit.
  

How long does it take

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

How much does it cost

• Application fee - R240
• Permit fee - R 450 (first species) and R200 for every additional species.
  

Banking details for Import Permit Application Fees:
Bank: FNB
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.

Forms to complete

Go to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cape Town: Ground Floor, Branch: Fisheries  Management, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town to get the Application form for the exporting of fish.

Who to contact