Do I have to declare aquarium fish at Mexico customs?

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

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

Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 88, primer párrafo, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 178, fracción I, segundo párrafo, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 151, fracción III: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship aquarium fish to Mexico 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.

Can I take aquarium fish out of Mexico?

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

Does the Mexico 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?

Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM) states it in Guía Paisano 2024. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Mexico 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. Mexico is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Aquarium fish can I bring into Mexico?

Restricted

You can bring Aquarium fish into Mexico only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

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

Guía Paisano 2024 Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM)

Questions about Aquarium fish in Mexico

Do I have to declare aquarium fish at Mexico customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Mexico customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare aquarium fish in Mexico?: Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 88, primer párrafo, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 178, fracción I, segundo párrafo, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 151, fracción III: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship aquarium fish to Mexico 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.
Can I take aquarium fish out of Mexico?: Mexico publishes no separate rule for taking aquarium fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Mexico 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?: Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM) states it in Guía Paisano 2024. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Mexico 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. Mexico is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

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Cats and dogs Dangerous dog breeds Dogs (CDC 2024 import rule) Pets carried in the cabin