International Aquatic Export

How To Order &
Shipping Guide

From placing your first order to the moment your fish arrives — a complete guide covering quarantine, CITES documentation, and country-specific shipping timelines.

🌏 ASEAN Destinations 📋 CITES Compliant ✈️ Air Freight 🐟 Live Guarantee 📦 IATA Standard

Step-by-Step

How To Place an Order

Follow these 6 simple steps and our team will handle the rest — from stock allocation to door-to-airport delivery.

Step 01
📩
Send Your Inquiry
Contact us via WhatsApp, Email, or our contact form. Provide your company name, address, import country, and destination airport (IATA code).
Tip: Include your preferred fish species and estimated quantity to get a faster quote.
Step 02
📋
Receive Stock List & Rates
We'll send you our latest availability list along with the best freight rates available for your destination. Updated weekly.
Note: Availability changes fast — act within 48 hours to hold stock.
Step 03
✅
Confirm Your Order
Send us your final order list by email or fax. We'll issue a Proforma Invoice (PI) with itemized pricing, freight, and document fees.
Includes: Goods, packaging, IATA handling, quarantine & CITES documentation.
Step 04
💳
Payment (T/T Advance)
Payment via Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) is required before we begin quarantine preparation. FOB pricing — all costs are transparent.
Currency: USD preferred. Bank details on PI.
Step 05
🔬
Quarantine & Documentation
Fish undergo mandatory health inspection & quarantine at our certified facility. We prepare all export documents including Health Certificate, CITES permit (if applicable), and Packing List.
Duration: Varies by destination — see Country Timeline below.
Step 06
✈️
Shipment & Tracking
Fish are packed and shipped via air freight. You receive the Air Waybill (AWB), full document set, and real-time flight tracking immediately after departure.
DOA Guarantee: Report within 24 hrs with photo for instant credit.

End-to-End Flow

Shipment Process Flow

A bird's-eye view of every stage from order confirmation to arrival at your facility.

📩
Order Confirmed
Day 0
PI issued & payment received
🔬
Quarantine Prep
Day 1–3
Health inspection & acclimatization
📄
Document Processing
Day 2–4
HC, CITES, phyto-sanitary & packing list
📦
Packing & Loading
Day 4–5
IATA-standard bags, Styrofoam & oxygen
✈️
Air Departure (CGK)
Day 5–6
AWB sent immediately after departure
🏁
Arrival at Destination
Day 6–10
Customs clearance by buyer's broker

Destination Countries

Country-Specific
Shipping & Regulations

Select your destination country to view quarantine requirements, CITES rules, required documents, and estimated total delivery time.

🇲🇾
Malaysia
Destination Airport: KUL (Kuala Lumpur International)
⏱️
Process Timeline
End-to-End Delivery Flow
Phase 1
Order Confirmation & Payment
Day 0 — Instant
Proforma Invoice issued; T/T payment confirmed same day.
Phase 2
Quarantine & Health Inspection
Day 1–2 (1–2 days)
Indonesia BKP (Balai Karantina Pertanian) inspection. Health Certificate issued by BKSDA/BKP.
Phase 3
Export Documentation
Day 2–3 (1 day)
Health Certificate (HC), Packing List, Commercial Invoice. CITES permit if applicable (Appendix II species).
Phase 4
Packing & Air Departure (CGK/SOC)
Day 3–4 (1 day)
Fish packed, loaded. Direct flights CGK → KUL ~2.5 hrs. AWB sent within 1 hour of departure.
Phase 5
Import Clearance (DVS Malaysia)
Day 4–5 (1–2 days)
DVS (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Haiwan) clearance. Import permit required for ornamental fish. Usually same day if docs complete.
🕐 Total: 4–5 Working Days from order to arrival
📄
Required Documents
Export & Import Papers
  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List
  • Health Certificate (BKP/BKSDA Indonesia)
  • DVS Import Permit (buyer obtains)
  • CITES export permit (Appendix II species)
  • Air Waybill (AWB)
🌿
CITES Regulation
Permit Requirements
  • Malaysia is a CITES signatory — compliance required
  • Arowana (Asian) App. I — strict quota, captive-bred only with microchip
  • Most ornamental freshwater fish Not listed — no permit
  • Appendix II species: export permit from BKSDA Indonesia
🔬
Quarantine Info
Health & Safety Checks
  • Indonesia export quarantine: 1–2 days at BKP certified facility
  • Disease screening for EHN, KHV, WSSV
  • Malaysia import: DVS may inspect on arrival (spot check)
  • No mandatory buyer-side quarantine for ornamental fish
🇵🇭
Philippines
Destination Airport: MNL (Ninoy Aquino International, Manila)
⏱️
Process Timeline
End-to-End Delivery Flow
Phase 1
Order Confirmation & Payment
Day 0
Proforma Invoice + T/T payment confirmed.
Phase 2
Quarantine & Indonesia Health Cert
Day 1–3 (2–3 days)
BKP inspection + Health Certificate issuance. Slightly longer due to BFAR import pre-clearance coordination.
Phase 3
BFAR Import Permit Coordination
Day 2–4 (pre-arranged)
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) import permit must be secured by buyer BEFORE shipment. Allow 3–7 business days if not yet obtained.
Phase 4
Packing & Air Departure
Day 4–5
CGK → MNL direct/via SIN ~3–4 hrs flight. AWB sent immediately.
Phase 5
BFAR Import Inspection at MNL
Day 5–7 (1–2 days)
BFAR quarantine officer inspects shipment. Clearance usually same day if all docs in order. Weekend arrival may add 1 day.
🕐 Total: 5–7 Working Days from order to arrival
📄
Required Documents
Key Papers
  • BFAR Import Permit (buyer secures before shipment)
  • Health Certificate (Indonesia BKP)
  • CITES permit if applicable
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List
  • Air Waybill (AWB)
  • BOC Import Entry (handled by broker)
🌿
CITES Regulation
Permit Status
  • Philippines is CITES signatory
  • Asian Arowana App. I — captive-bred with microchip only
  • Corydoras, Plecos, Discus App. II — export permit needed
  • Guppies, Tetras, Rainbows Not listed
⚠️
Important Notes
Philippines Specifics
  • BFAR permit: buyer must secure BEFORE order is placed
  • Prohibited species: native PH species importation restricted
  • BOC customs duties may apply on declared value
  • Perishable cargo priority at NAIA
🇧🇳
Brunei Darussalam
Destination Airport: BWN (Brunei International Airport)
⏱️
Process Timeline
End-to-End Delivery Flow
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
PI issued; T/T payment cleared.
Phase 2
Quarantine (Indonesia) + Health Cert
Day 1–3
Standard BKP inspection. No special pre-clearance needed from Brunei side for ornamental fish.
Phase 3
Packing & Departure (CGK/BPN)
Day 3–5
Often via Kalimantan (BPN) to BWN or connecting flight via KUL. Flight ~2–4 hrs.
Phase 4
BRIDEX / DAF Clearance at BWN
Day 5–7 (1–2 days)
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries (DAF) inspection. Import permit required from DAF in advance.
🕐 Total: 5–7 Working Days
📄
Required Documents
Key Papers
  • DAF Import Permit (buyer secures)
  • Health Certificate (BKP Indonesia)
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
  • CITES permit if applicable
🌿
CITES
Permit Status
  • Brunei is a CITES signatory
  • Most freshwater ornamentals Not listed
  • Arowana App. I — strict requirements
💡
Notes
Brunei Specifics
  • Limited direct flights — plan routing via KUL or SIN
  • Halal import regulations do not affect live ornamental fish
  • Small market — typical order 1–3 boxes
🇻🇳
Vietnam
Destination Airport: SGN (Tan Son Nhat, Ho Chi Minh) or HAN (Noi Bai, Hanoi)
⏱️
Process Timeline
End-to-End Delivery Flow
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
PI confirmed, T/T received.
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine + Health Certificate
Day 1–3
Standard BKP inspection. Vietnam requires specific disease-free certification for whitespot (Ich) and other pathogens.
Phase 3
MARD Import Documentation
Day 2–4 (pre-arranged)
Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) import license required by buyer. Typically valid for multiple shipments once approved.
Phase 4
Departure (CGK → SGN/HAN)
Day 4–5
~2.5–3 hrs direct flight. Multiple daily flights available on GA, VN, QH.
Phase 5
Vietnam Customs + DAF Inspection
Day 5–7
MARD/DAF officer inspection at port. If docs complete, clearance same day. Payment of import duties applicable.
🕐 Total: 5–7 Working Days
📄
Required Documents
Key Papers
  • MARD Import License (buyer)
  • Health Certificate + disease-free cert (BKP)
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
  • CITES if applicable
  • Vietnamese customs declaration form
🌿
CITES
Status
  • Vietnam CITES signatory
  • Arowana (Scleropages) App. I
  • Standard tropical fish Not listed
  • Freshwater stingray App. II
⚠️
Important
Vietnam Specific
  • Growing market — demand high for discus & arowana
  • Import duties 0% for most ornamental fish (HS 0301.99)
  • VAT 10% applies on declared value
  • Some provinces require additional quarantine on arrival
🇹🇭
Thailand
Destination Airport: BKK (Suvarnabhumi) or DMK (Don Mueang)
⏱️
Process Timeline
End-to-End Delivery
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
PI issued, T/T confirmed.
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine
Day 1–2
BKP standard inspection. Thailand DLD known for strict disease requirements.
Phase 3
DLD Import Permit (buyer)
Pre-arranged (3–5 days)
Department of Livestock Development (DLD) import permit required. Must be obtained before shipment.
Phase 4
Departure CGK → BKK
Day 3–5
~3 hrs direct flight. Multiple airlines available. AWB sent immediately after departure.
Phase 5
DLD Inspection & Clearance
Day 5–6
DLD officer inspects at BKK cargo terminal. Clearance usually same day. Quarantine station hold possible for suspect shipments.
🕐 Total: 5–6 Working Days
📄
Documents
Required Papers
  • DLD Import Permit (buyer)
  • Health Certificate (BKP Indonesia)
  • CITES permit if applicable
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
🌿
CITES
Status
  • Thailand major CITES signatory & re-exporter
  • Arowana App. I
  • Stingrays (Potamotrygon) App. II
  • Most standard ornamentals Not listed
💡
Notes
Thailand Specific
  • Thailand is also a major exporter — imports uncommon but growing
  • Strict disease prevention: KHV, WSSV, EHN testing required
  • HS code 0301.99 — import duty 0%
🇸🇬
Singapore
Destination Airport: SIN (Changi International)
⏱️
Process Timeline
Fastest ASEAN Route
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
PI issued. T/T confirmed.
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine
Day 1–2
BKP inspection. Singapore AVS is very efficient — streamlined clearance.
Phase 3
Departure CGK → SIN
Day 2–3
~1.5 hrs direct. Multiple daily flights. Very short transit time — fastest ASEAN route.
Phase 4
AVS (NParks) Clearance at SIN
Day 3–4 (same day if morning flight)
Animal & Veterinary Service (NParks) very efficient. Import license from AVS required (CITES species have stricter check). Same-day clearance common.
🕐 Total: 3–4 Working Days — Fastest route!
📄
Documents
Required Papers
  • AVS (NParks) Import License (buyer)
  • Health Certificate (BKP Indonesia)
  • CITES permit if applicable
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
🌿
CITES
Status
  • Singapore strict CITES enforcement
  • Arowana App. I — microchip mandatory
  • Standard ornamentals Not listed
  • SG is a major transshipment hub — re-export common
⭐
Advantage
Why Singapore?
  • World-class cargo handling at SIN
  • Fastest customs clearance in ASEAN
  • No import duties on ornamental fish (GST 9% on declared value)
  • Used as hub for onward distribution to AU/EU/JP
🇦🇺
Australia
Destination Airport: SYD / MEL / PER — cargo via approved quarantine facilities
⏱️
Process Timeline
Most Complex ASEAN Route
Phase 1
Order & Payment + Pre-clearance
Day 0 (+ 2–4 weeks pre-clearance)
DAFF import permit + AQIS pre-approval required WELL IN ADVANCE. Species must be on Australia's live import list (LIL).
Pre-req
Species Whitelisting Check
Ongoing — check before ordering
Australia operates a "whitelist" system. Only species on the Live Import List (LIL) are permitted. Many popular fish NOT allowed (e.g., some plecos, neon tetras historically restricted).
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine + AQIS-Compatible Health Cert
Day 1–5
Health certificate must meet Australian AQIS format requirements. Disease-free certification for specified pathogens. Extended acclimatization period.
Phase 3
Air Departure (CGK → SYD/MEL)
Day 5–7
~7–8 hrs flight (+ transit). Flights via SIN or DPS. Very long flight requires extra O₂ and special packaging protocols.
Phase 4
AQIS Quarantine on Arrival (MANDATORY)
Day 7–12 (3–5 days quarantine)
ALL live fish imports to Australia face mandatory post-arrival quarantine at an approved facility (buyer's cost). Minimum 3 days, up to 2 weeks if issues found.
🕐 Total: 10–15 Working Days (including mandatory quarantine)
📄
Documents
Required Papers
  • DAFF Import Permit (buyer — obtained weeks in advance)
  • AQIS-format Health Certificate
  • Species whitelist confirmation (LIL)
  • CITES permit (all applicable species)
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
  • Post-arrival quarantine facility booking
🌿
CITES
Status
  • Australia extremely strict CITES enforcement
  • Arowana App. I — effectively banned for import
  • Many species App. II require export + import permits
  • Illegal import: criminal prosecution risk
🚨
Critical Warning
Australia Biosecurity
  • Strictest biosecurity in the world — no exceptions
  • Non-LIL species confiscated & destroyed
  • Always verify species against current LIL before ordering
  • Contact us first — we'll confirm eligibility
🇯🇵
Japan
Destination Airport: NRT (Narita) or KIX (Kansai Osaka)
⏱️
Process Timeline
End-to-End Delivery
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
PI issued, T/T confirmed.
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine + Health Cert
Day 1–3
BKP inspection. Japan requires specific disease-free certification for catfish, koi, and other regulated species.
Phase 3
MAFF Import Documentation
Day 2–4 (pre-arranged)
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (MAFF) import notification. Buyer registers import in advance. Simpler than AU/PH — no individual permit per shipment for most species.
Phase 4
Departure CGK → NRT/KIX
Day 4–5
~7 hrs flight. Airlines: GA, NH, JL. Very good cargo handling. AWB sent immediately.
Phase 5
Japan Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) Inspection
Day 5–7
AQS inspection at arrival airport. Usually 1 day if all documents complete. Fish released to buyer's broker.
🕐 Total: 6–8 Working Days
📄
Documents
Required Papers
  • MAFF Import Notification (buyer)
  • Health Certificate (BKP) + disease-free cert
  • CITES permitif applicable
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
🌿
CITES
Status
  • Japan is CITES signatory
  • Arowana App. I
  • Stingrays App. II
  • Discus, Corydoras, most tetras Not listed
⭐
Market Notes
Japan Specifics
  • Japan is a premium market — highest quality standards expected
  • Excellent demand for rare & specialty freshwater fish
  • Import duties ~0% for live ornamental fish; consumption tax 10%
  • Very precise documentation required — no errors tolerated
🇪🇺
European Union
Destination: AMS (Amsterdam), FRA (Frankfurt), CDG (Paris) — BCP customs entry
⏱️
Process Timeline
Long-Haul Route
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine + Health Certificate
Day 1–4
EU requires TRACES NT health certificate format. EU-approved veterinarian certification needed. Extended preparation time.
Phase 3
CITES + EU Import Pre-notification
Day 2–5
Buyer notifies EU import authority. CITES export permit from Indonesia + CITES import permit from EU member state required for Appendix II/I species.
Phase 4
Departure CGK → AMS/FRA
Day 5–7
~13–16 hrs flight. Via SIN, DXB, or DOH hub. Extra O₂ bags. Long flight requires special packaging protocol.
Phase 5
EU BCP Veterinary Inspection
Day 7–10 (1–3 days)
Border Control Post (BCP) veterinary inspection mandatory for live animals. CITES documentation checked. EU animal health regulations apply. Clearance 1–3 days.
🕐 Total: 10–14 Working Days
📄
Documents
Required Papers
  • EU TRACES NT Health Certificate
  • CITES export permit (ID) + CITES import permit (EU member state)
  • EU import pre-notification (24h before arrival)
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
  • Species classification & combined nomenclature code
🌿
CITES EU
Strict Enforcement
  • EU is highest-enforcement CITES zone globally
  • Arowana App. I — very hard to import to EU
  • Stingrays App. II — export + import permit mandatory
  • Many Discus, Corydoras Not listed
  • Check EU Wildlife Trade Reg. 338/97 before ordering
💡
EU Market
Key Info
  • EU import duty ~0% for live ornamental fish (HS 0301.99)
  • VAT varies by country (20–25%)
  • Germany, Netherlands, Czech, Poland = major markets
  • Premium pricing — high demand for rare species
🇺🇸
United States of America
Destination: LAX (Los Angeles), JFK (New York), MIA (Miami) — main ornamental fish entry ports
⏱️
Process Timeline
Long-Haul + Multi-agency
Phase 1
Order & Payment
Day 0
Phase 2
Indonesia Quarantine + Health Certificate
Day 1–4
USDA APHIS-compatible health certificate. Disease testing for regulated pathogens. Extended preparation.
Phase 3
USDA/USFWS Pre-clearance
Pre-arranged by buyer
Lacey Act compliance verification. CITES import permit from US FWS required for Appendix I/II species. USFWS declaration form 3-177 must be filed prior to entry.
Phase 4
Departure CGK → US Gateway
Day 5–7
~18–22 hrs total (with transit). Via SIN, NRT, or ICN. Extra O₂, thermal protection. Complex routing.
Phase 5
USDA APHIS + USFWS Inspection at Port of Entry
Day 7–10 (1–3 days)
USDA APHIS Animal Health inspection + USFWS wildlife inspection (for CITES species). CBP customs clearance. MIA has a dedicated live animal facility — fastest US entry point.
🕐 Total: 10–14 Working Days
📄
Documents
Required Papers
  • USFWS Form 3-177 (Declaration for Importation)
  • USDA APHIS-format Health Certificate
  • CITES import permit (USFWS) for App. I/II species
  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List, AWB
  • Lacey Act declaration (species, quantity, scientific name)
  • CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
🌿
CITES USA
Strict Enforcement
  • USA is the world's largest ornamental fish importer
  • Arowana App. I — import prohibited
  • Stingrays App. II — USFWS permit required
  • Lacey Act: falsifying species declaration = felony
  • Most tetras, guppies, discus Not listed
🏆
Market Info
USA Specifics
  • Miami (MIA) is #1 entry point for live fish — pre-approved facility
  • US import duty: 0% for live ornamental fish (HS 0301.99)
  • Huge demand for rare & specialty species
  • Contact us for species eligibility before ordering

International Regulations

Understanding CITES

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) governs the trade of wildlife including ornamental fish. Know what applies to your order.

Appendix I
🚫 Most Restricted
Species threatened with extinction. Commercial trade is effectively prohibited. Import & export permits required from both countries. Captive-bred individuals may qualify with strict documentation.

Fish examples: Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus), certain sturgeons.
Appendix II
⚠️ Regulated Trade
Not currently threatened but could become so without regulation. Trade allowed with export permit from the country of origin and sometimes import permit from destination. Most commonly encountered in ornamental fish trade.

Fish examples: Freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon spp.), some Corydoras, Hypancistrus (plecos), Seahorses.
Not Listed
✅ No CITES Permit
The vast majority of tropical freshwater ornamental fish are NOT CITES-listed and can be traded freely (subject to national import regulations). Standard health certificates and import permits from destination country still apply.

Fish examples: Guppies, Tetras, Discus, Angels, Bettas, Goldfish, Danios, Barbs, Rainbowfish, Killifish.
🇮🇩 Indonesia CITES Authority
BKSDA (Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam) is Indonesia's CITES Management Authority. We work directly with BKSDA to prepare and process all required CITES export permits for Appendix I and II species.

CITES permits are included in our all-in FOB pricing for applicable species.
📌 Asian Arowana Special Rules
Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) is the most regulated ornamental fish in the world (CITES Appendix I). Trade is permitted only for captive-bred specimens registered with authorities.

Each fish requires: microchip implant, individual registration certificate, and CITES Appendix I export/import permits. We have full experience handling Arowana documentation.
📞 Not Sure? Ask Us First
CITES regulations change and vary by destination country. Before placing an order for any species you're unsure about, contact our team. We'll verify CITES status, species eligibility (especially for AU/US), and required permits — saving you time and cost.

→ Contact our export team
🐠

Ready to Place Your Order?

Send us your inquiry today and our export team will respond within 24 hours with a stock list, pricing, and all the information you need.

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