About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact
About importing fish caught on a recreational basis
To import fish, such as marine fish, that you caught during a holiday in another country, you must apply for a permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. You cannot sell the imported fish but you can use it for personal consumption.
You must apply at least two weeks prior to your departure to allow for processing. You cannot bring fish into South Africa 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 restrictions apply:
- You cannot import Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listed species.
- 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 freshwater fish. Failure to adhere to permit conditions may result in the suspension or cancellation of the permit.
What you should do
- Get the Application to import fish on recreational basis form at the Fisheries Management Branch of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment at the ground floor, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town.
- Complete the application form and provide the following information:
- dates of departure and return to South Africa
- name of the country to be visited
- the South African border post that will be used on return to South Africa
- state how the fish will be imported (frozen/chilled fresh/etc.)
- a certified copy of your identity document.
- Pay the prescribed fee into 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
For a reference and the fee call the customer service centre at 0860 000 3474. - Attach the following to the application form:
- proof of payment (bank deposit slip)
- proof of physical address, contact telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address in South Africa
- a certified copy of your identity document.
- Send the application form to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012 or submit it at the Fisheries Management Branch of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment at the ground floor, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town. You cannot fax or e-mail your application.
How long does it take
It may take seven working days or more, subject to proper lodging of the application.
How much does it cost
Get the tariffs from the Call Centre of the Fisheries Management Branch.
Forms to complete
Get the Application to import fish on recreational basis form at the Call Centre of the Fisheries Management Branch.
Who to contact
Tel: +27 12 399 9000
Fax: +27 12 359 3625
