About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact
About importing fish on a commercial basis
To import marine fish for profit you must apply for a permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The following import restrictions apply:
- Abalone and certain rock lobster species may not be imported.
- You may only import frozen whole crab (or pieces) weighing 600 g or more each and no more than 25 tons may be imported annually.
- You may not import live crab.
Note: The 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 for an import permit 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.
- Read the application form carefully and make sure that you satisfy the requirements and conditions.
- Complete the application forms by providing the following information:
- the physical addresses of exporters in the country of origin
- the common and scientific names of the species
- the quantities of species you want to import.
- Attach the following to the application forms:
- a certified copy of your identity document and/or registration documents of your company, and close corporation or trust
- certified copies of valid import permits from the Department of Trade and Industry or International Trade Administration Commission
- an original tax clearance certificate from the South African Revenue Service.
- 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 call the customer service centre at 021 402 3911. - Submit the application form to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012 or submit it at the Fisheries Management Branch, ground floor, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town You must post or submit the original applications, failing which you will not be issued with the permit.
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.
Forms to complete
Get the Application for an import permit form at the Call Centre.
Who to contact
Call Centre
Tel: +27 12 399 9000
Fax: +27 12 359 3625
