Live Marine & Other Non-Freshwater Ornamental Fish

It depends on the species. Many popular reef fish are not CITES-listed and do not require permits, but some species — including certain seahorses (Hippocampus spp., listed under CITES Appendix II) — do require export permits from the country of origin. Importers should verify the CITES status of each species in a shipment before importation, as mixed-species consignments are common and a single listed species can complicate clearance for the entire shipment.

The Lacey Act prohibits importation of fish taken, possessed, or sold in violation of the laws of the source country. If a species was collected in violation of Indonesian or Philippine domestic fisheries regulations — such as through banned collection methods or from protected areas — the shipment can be seized and the importer prosecuted regardless of whether a CITES permit was obtained. Importers should conduct due-diligence on their suppliers' collection practices and documentation to manage Lacey Act exposure.