Do I have to declare aquarium fish at Canada customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare aquarium fish in Canada?

Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship aquarium fish to Canada instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take aquarium fish out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking aquarium fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for aquarium fish apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Importing aquatic animals for travellers or personal use. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Aquatic animals that are brought into Canada must be declared, and in the case of aquatic animals on the susceptible species list, must have an import permit unless otherwise exempt.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on aquarium fish?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit aquarium fish, 14 limit it and 4 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Aquarium fish can I bring into Canada?

Declare

You can bring Aquarium fish into Canada, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Importing aquatic animals for travellers or personal use Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Questions about Aquarium fish in Canada

Do I have to declare aquarium fish at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare aquarium fish in Canada?: Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship aquarium fish to Canada instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take aquarium fish out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking aquarium fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for aquarium fish apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Importing aquatic animals for travellers or personal use. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Aquatic animals that are brought into Canada must be declared, and in the case of aquatic animals on the susceptible species list, must have an import permit unless otherwise exempt.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on aquarium fish?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit aquarium fish, 14 limit it and 4 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

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