Guidelines for the Import of Ornamental Fishes into India

1. Preamble
The global trade of ornamental fishes including accessories and fish feed is estimated
to be worth more than USD 15 billion with an annual growth of 8%. Around 500
million fishes are traded annually by 145 countries, of which 80-85% are tropical
species. Domestic market for ornamental fish in India is much promising. At present,
the demand for quality tropical fish far exceeds the supply. The domestic market for
ornamental fishes in India is estimated at Rs 20 crores and the domestic trade is at
growing annual rate of 20%. Availability of considerable number of indigenous
ornamental fish of high value in the country has contributed greatly for the
development of ornamental fish industry in India. However there is a great demand
for exotic fishes due to its variety of color, shape, appearance, etc. It has been
estimated that more than 300 species of exotic variety are already present in the
ornamental fish trade in India and still there is great market demand for exotic fishes.

Introduction of exotic aquatic species will have some impacts like genetic
contamination, disease introduction and ecological interaction with possible threat to
native germ plasm. In the wake of trade liberalization under World Trade
Organization (WTO) Agreement, India is required to equip itself and to minimize the
ecological and disease risk associated with the likely increase in species introductions.
Out break of exotic disease in many cases can be traced to movement of exotic fish
into new areas: examples are Koi herpes virus disease and Epizootic ulcerative
syndrome. With expected increase in the international trade in ornamental fish and
other products in coming years there is likelihood of increased negative impact on
native fauna. In this contest it is absolutely necessary to make guidelines and
regulations for introduction of exotics aquatic ornamental animals for effective
control and management of species introduction.

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DAHDF),

Ministry of Agriculture has formulated these guidelines in consultation with National
Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) and Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA). 
2. Definitions
Accidental escape means escape of aquatic organisms into the natural water body
unknowing by the importer/hobbyists
Aquatic animals means all life stages (including eggs and gametes) of fish, molluscs
and crustaceans originating from aquaculture establishments or removed from the
wild, for farming purposes, for release into the aquatic environment or for human
consumption
Biohazard means an organism, or substance derived from an organism, that poses a
threat to (primarily) animal/human health. This can include medical waste or samples
of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can impact
animal/human health.
Biosecurity means in general terms, is a strategic and integrated approach to
analyzing and managing relevant risks to human, animal (including aquatic), plant life
and health and associated risks to the environment (FAO, 2007).
Certifying official means a person authorised by the Competent Authority to sign
health certificates for aquatic animals.
Consignment (also termed “shipment”) – a group of live aquatic animals described in
an aquatic animal import health standard, an international health certificate, a health
certificate and/or in a permit to import or export.
Competent Authority means the Authority responsible for Aquatic Animal Health as
may be notified by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries,
Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
Exporting country means a country from which aquatic animals or aquatic animal
products, biological products or pathological material are sent to a destination in
another country.
International trade means import, export or transit of aquatic animals, aquatic
animal products, biological products and pathological material.
Import permit means the license issued by the competent authority for importing
aquatic organisms/aquarium accessories for importer.
Importer means person/company importing aquatic organisms /aquarium accessories
from outside the country.
Invasive species means non-indigenous species (e.g. plants or animals) that adversely
affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically.
OIE-listed diseases mean diseases that are referred to in Chapter 1.2.3. of the Aquatic
Code. (Synonym: diseases listed by the OIE.)
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Ornamental fish is often used as a generic term to describe aquatic animals kept in
the aquarium hobby, including fishes, invertebrates such as corals, crustaceans (e.g.,
crabs, hermit crabs, shrimps), mollusks (e.g., snails, clams, scallops), and also live
rock.
Pre-quarantine certificate means health certificate issued by an exporting country’s
Competent Authority attesting to the health status of a consignment of aquatic
animals.
Quarantine means maintaining a group of aquatic animals in isolation with no direct
or indirect contact with other aquatic animals, in order to undergo observation for a
specified length of time and, if appropriate, testing and treatment, including proper
treatment of the effluent waters.
International aquatic animal health certificate means a certificate issued by a
member of the personnel of the Competent Authority of the exporting country,
certifying the state of health of the aquatic animals, and a declaration that the aquatic
animals originate from a source subjected to official health surveillance according to
the procedures described in the OIE Aquatic Manual.
Quarantine officer means a technically competent person authorized by the
Competent Authority for purposes of inspecting and certifying compliance with the
health requirements of the Competent Authority concerning the import and export of
live aquatic animals.
Quarantine period means a minimum period of quarantine, typically as specified in
an aquatic animal import health standard or other legally binding document (e.g.
national or state regulations).
Risk analysis means the complete process composed of hazard identification, risk
assessment, risk management and risk communication.
Shipment means a group of aquatic animals or products thereof destined for
transportation.
Surveillance means a systematic series of investigations of a given population of
aquatic animals to detect the occurrence of disease for control purposes, and which
may involve testing samples of a population.
Susceptible species means a species of aquatic animal in which infection has been
demonstrated by natural cases or by experimental exposures to the disease agent that
mimics the natural pathways for infection. Each disease chapter in the Aquatic
Manual contains a list of currently known susceptible species.
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3. Pre requisites
3.1. No import of the ornamental fish species shall be allowed if the fish species is
found to fall in any or all of the following categories.
a. Aquatic organism identified as dangerous as it:
• Can cause injury to human beings (possess venomous spines/poisonous
flesh/toxins/special defense mechanism).
• Has possibilities of attacking and inflicting injuries to human beings
and animals
• Is a known vector or carrier of pathogens.
b. Species as listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) or in the threatened list of International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or that of the exporting country’s threatened
list. However, if the source of the endangered fish is cultured and the
exporting country’s competent authority certifies it, then it can be permitted.
c. Species under any other ban imposed on the import due to national legislation
or international treaties/conventions.
d. Invasive species exhibiting well documented deleterious impacts in India or
other countries having environmental conditions similar to India.
If the request for import of a particular species is sought for the first time, risk
analysis shall be carried out by the competent agency as standard protocols on the
potential invasive species after introduction while application for permit is processed.
No import of ornamental fish is permitted without valid permit from Department
of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHDF), MOA, GOI.
Only those exotic ornamental fish species listed in the permitted list would be
allowed. (Given in Annexure I).
4. Mode of application.
4.1.The entrepreneur intending to import exotic ornamental fish shall apply in the
prescribed format given in Annexure II.
4.2.The application seeking permit for import of an ornamental fish species shall be
accompanied with color photographs of specimens of different sizes (one at the
juvenile stage and another at adult stage) and should contain the scientific name of
that species. The photograph should be of the specimens of the species from
where the import is proposed and not from published or other sources. Without
these, the application for permit shall be rejected.

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4.3.In case male and female of the species have different phenotypic character,
photograph of both sexes should be included.
4.4.The import permit issued
• Shall be valid for six months from the date of issue.
• Shall not be transferable.
• No amendments to the permit shall be issued.
• The issuing authority might consider one revalidation not exceeding maximum
of three months provided such request for extension of validity is made to the
issuing authority before the expiry of the permit with adequate justification.
5. Import of fish shall be allowed only through designated seaports/airports. (Given in
Annexure III)
6. Packaging and Transport
6.1. The packaging shall facilitate easy inspection of the consignment by the
Quarantine Officer at the port of entry.
6.2. The ornamental fish to be imported must be packaged in leak-proof bags, each
bag containing only one species, must not be exceeded the standard stocking density.
The bag must be transparent to enable proper inspection and identification of the
aquatic animals and must not contain any extraneous matter, unapproved plant
material, pests or unauthorized species.
6.3. Each bag must be placed within polystyrene boxes or cartons fitted with a plastic
inner lining. Each box or carton must be clearly identified with label mentioning name
and number of fish species and identification number of each box/carton. In case, any
sedative/anesthetic has been used during transport, it should be clearly mentioned in
the packaging list.
6.4. Documents accompanied: The consignment must be accompanied by relevant
documents including case history paper and photograph of species, copy of import
permit, copy of quarantine certificate and other documents issued by the transport
authority of exporting country.
6.5. Importer must make all reasonable efforts to expedite the clearance of the
consignment and its transport to destination.
6.6. Trans-shipment: In case of trans-shipment the consignment should be held in a
sterile area of the trans-shipment point.

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7. Quarantine
7.1. Every species of ornamental fish imported into the country shall have to be
subjected to the quarantine procedures in a quarantine facility accredited by the
Competent Authority.
7.2. The imported ornamental fish shall be accompanied by an import permit issued
by the Ministry of Agriculture along with pre-quarantine certificate issued by the
competent authority of exporting country stating that the farm (from where the
consignment is exported) is covered under their national aquatic animal health
surveillance or a pre-quarantine certificate showing status of OIE and NACA listed
diseases (Annexure IV) of the farms and exporting country.
7.3. On arrival of the consignment, accompanying pre-quarantine certificate should be
verified and imported species should be rechecked at the quarantine facility and
certificate of quarantine would be issued by designated authority.
7.4. Upon clearance from the port of entry, the consignment shall be transferred
immediately to the accredited quarantine facility as indicated in the letter of permit
(Format is given in Annexure V).
7.5. On receipt of consignment at quarantine facility, the species should be subjected
to quarantine protocol prescribed for particular species.
7.6. The imported fishes would undergo quarantine in approved quarantine premises
as follows.
a) Gold fish – 21 days.
b) Other ornamental fishes – 15 days
7.7. After satisfactory completion of quarantine, the consignment should be released
to the importer with quarantine certificate.
7.8. Direct sale of imported broodstocks in the domestic market shall not be allowed
and only F1 and F2 progeny shall be released for domestic or international market.

8. Penalties for violations

8.1. The importer shall keep in mind the biosafety, biohazards and economic interest
of the nation. Any biosafety and other related hazards arising out of release of the
imported fish into the natural waters entirely the responsibility of importer/importing
organization/indenter and should be liable to be proceeded against with the
accordance with the relevant rules of Government of India.
8.2. In case, the consignment does not pass quarantine, the entire consignment shall
be destroyed at importers cost as per the prescribed protocols.
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8.3. If during the course of inspection, it comes to the notice of the Competent
Authority that the importer willfully suppressed certain important
information/deliberately furnished wrong information or that the species sought to be
imported and the one actually imported are not the same or that the species sought to
be imported and the one actually imported are not the same or that the imported
specimens also consist of species for which approval has not been obtained, the
import permit shall be cancelled forthwith and all the specimens imported destroyed
without any notice to or permission of the importer.
8.4. The importer shall take abundant care to prevent any accidental escape and
willful release of the exotic ornamental fish into natural waters. In spite of this in the
event of accidental escape/ willful release of fish into natural waters, the matter
should be reported to the competent authority and the nearest quarantine centre.
9. Post quarantine Inspection: The CA shall have right to carry out the post
quarantine inspection of hatchery, rearing facility and farms of the importers to
confirm the specified norms for assuring the imported fishes are used for the purpose
for which they are imported; and to look at the magnitude of multiplication and
horizontal spread of the imported fish species. The importer shall submit quarterly
status report on transport, breeding, rearing and retail etc. within the after the import.

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 Annexure-I
Indicative List of ornamental fishes to be considered for import

Sl. Common Name Scientific Name

No.
1. Tinfoil Barb Puntius schwanenfeldi / P. orphide / P.daruphani
2. Tiger Barb Puntius tetrazona/ P.partipentazana
3. Black Ruby Barb Puntius nigrofasiatus
4. Clown Barb Barbodes everetti
5. Longfin Rosy Barb Barbus conchonius
6. Fliament Barb Barbus conchonius
7. Scissortail Rasbora Rasbora trilineata
8. Yellowtail Rasbora Rasbora dusonensis
9. Redtail Rasbora Rasbora borapetensis
10. Dwarf Rasbora Rasbora maculata
11. Harlequin Rasbora Rasbora heteromorpha
12. Green Line Rasbora Rasbora beauforti
13. Slender Gold Rasbora Rasbora einthovenii
14. Golden Line Rasbora Rasbora agilis
15. Zebra Barb Rasbora pauciperforata
16. Redtail Black Shark Labeo bicolor
17. Rainbow Shark Labeo erythrurus
18. Albino Rainbow Shark Labeo frenatus
19. Black Shark Labeo chrysophekadion
20. Silver Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus
21. Blood Parrot Cichlids Cichlasoma synspilum
22. Texas Cichlid Cichlasoma carpinte
23. Emerald Cichlid/Parrot Fish Cichlasoma temporalis
24. Convict Cichlid Cichlasoma nigrofaciatum
25. Trout Cichlid Cichlasoma citrinellum
26. Peacock bass Cichlasoma ocellaris
27. Firemouth cichlid Cichlasoma meeki
28. Red terror Cichlasoma festae
29. Green terror Aequidens rivulatus
30. Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma luelingi
31. Flower horn Amphilophus labiatus
32. Pearl Gourami Trichogaster leeri
33. Moonlight Gourami Trichogaster microlepis
34. Blue Gourami Trichogaster trichopterus
35. Dwarf Gourami Trichogaster lalius
36. Thick-lipped Gourami Trichogaster labiosa
37. Snake Skin Gourami Trichogaster pectoralis
38. Giant Gourami Osphronemus goramy
39. Gold fish Carassius auratus
40. Red Oranda Carassius auratus
41. Red Cap Oranda Carassius auratus
42. Blue Oranda Carassius auratus
43. Red Ryukins Carassius auratus
44. Red & White Ryukins Carassius auratus
45. Celestial Gold Carassius auratus
46. Pearl Scale Gold Carassius auratus
47. Bubble Eye Gold Carassius auratus
48. Clown Loach Botia macracantha
49. Orange -finned Loach Botia modesta
50. Skunk Loach Botia morleti
51. Dwarf -chained Loach Botia sidthimunki
52. Silver Loach Botia lecontei
53. Zebra Loach Botia striata
54. Blue Loach Botia rubripinnis
55. Guppy Poecilia reticulata
56. Molly Poecilia latipinna
57. Sword Tail Xiphophorus helleri
58. Platy Xiphophorus maculatus
59. Koi Carp Cyprinus carpio
60. Fire Goby Nemateleotris magnifica
61. Fighting Fish Betta splendens
62. Short Tail Betta imbellis
63. Blue Betta Betta smaragdina
64. Butterfly Fish Chaetodon ephippium/ C.ornatissimus
65. Orange Clown Fish Amphiprion percula
66. Fire Clown Fish Amphiprion melanopus
67. Damsel Fish Abudefduf bicolor
68. Twotone Tang Zebrasoma scopas
69. Blue Powder Tang Acanthurus leucosternon/ A. triosegus
70. Angel Fish Pterophyllum scalare
71. High Fin Sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus
72. Black Ghost Apteronotus albifrons
73. Oscar Cichild Astronotus ocellatus
74. Discus Symphysodon discus/S.aequifasciata
75. Blue Discus Symphysodon aequifasciata axelrodi
76. Phantom Tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
77. Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
78. Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
79. Lemon Tetra Hyphessobrycon pulchripinis
80. Rosy Tetra Hyphessobrycon ornatus
81. Serpae Tetra Hyphessobrycon serpae
82. Gold Spotted Tetra Hyphessobrycon griemi
83. Cardinal Tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi
84. Neon Tetra Paracheirodon innesi
85. Green Neon Tetra Paracheirodon simulans
86. Red Parrot Hoplarchus psittacus
87. Yellow Face Angelfish Pomacanthus xanthometopon
88. Royal Angelfish Pygoplytes diacanthus
89. Elegant Firefish Nemateleotris decora
90. Sunset Anthias Pseudanthias parvirostris
91. Humphead Wrasse Cheilinus undulatus
92. Yellowtail Emperor Lethrinus crocineous
 Annexure II
Format of Application for importing the ornamental fish

1.0 Name of the fish (common name/s) :

1.2 Scientific name :
1.3 Name of the country where from the species is proposed to be
imported:
2.0 Source of origin (Wild/cultured):
3.0 Purpose of the import (Breeding/ direct selling etc.):
3.1 Import details :
3.2 Life stage to be imported (Juvenile/immature/ adult/ Brood stock):
3.3 Quantity/ Size of import :
3.4 Average weight (g) :
3.5 Average length (cm) :
4.0 Biological profile of the species:
4.1 Maximum size (cm) :
4.2 Maximum weight (g)
4.3 Natural habitat
4.3.1 Adult :
4.3.2 Juvenile :
4.3.3 Spawn :
4.4 Temperature requirement for different stages:
4.5 Whether migratory in nature :
4.5.1 If yes, whether for breeding/feeding :
4.6 Breeding
4.6.1 Bisexual/hermaphrodite :
4.6.2 Oviparous/viviparous :
4.6.3 Age at maturity :
4.6.4 Period/time of breeding :
4.6.5 Periodicity of breeding :
4.6.6 Fecundity :
4.6.7 Breeding habitat :
4.6.8 Temperature requirements :
4.7 Feeding habits (Herbivorous/carnivorous/omnivorous):
4.7.1 Natural food items
4.7.1.1 Larvae :
4.7.1.2 Juvenile :
4.7.1.3 Adult :

4.8 Genetic profile

4..8.1 If developed – Originals/ Stocks used for the development:
4..8.2 Genetic mechanism used for developing (Selection/hybridization/
genetic engineering)
5.0 Earlier import details:
5..8.1 Approval No. and Date (issued by the Ministry):
5..8.2 Details of License issued by DGFT
5..8.3 Year of import:
5..8.4 Number of permitted species:
5..8.5 Total number imported:
5..8.6 Number of fish imported against each permitted variety:
5..8.7 End use of the imported varieties in details:
6.0 Are the imported ornamental fish meant for export/internal market:
7.0 Name and Address of the firm/person importing the fish :
8.0 The place/Hatchery where the imported fish will be kept:
9.0 Whether quarantine facility is there or not:

Date Signature of importer

Seal
Essential enclosures:
1. Photographs of organisms to be imported (The photograph should be of the
specimens of the species from where the import is proposed and not from
published or other sources).
2. Address of hatchery/Farm where the fish will be maintained after importing

Instructions for filling proforma:

1. For each species use a separate proforma

2. No column should be left blank. If information is not available fill N.A. and if
the item is not relevant, N.R.
 Annexure III

Designated seaports/airports for import of exotic ornamental fish

• East coast – Chennai
• West coast – Mumbai

(At present only two ports designated for import and this may increase later
such as Kolkatta, Kochi and Delhi)
 Annexure IV
OIE listed aquatic animal diseases (OIE, Code 2012)

Diseases of fish

• Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis

• Epizootic ulcerative syndrome
• Infection with Gyrodactylus salaris
• Infectious haematopoietic necrosis
• Infectious salmon anaemia
• Koi herpes virus disease
• Red sea bream iridoviral disease
• Spring viraemia of carp
• Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia.

Diseases of mollusks

• Infection with abalone herpesvirus

• Infection with Bonamia ostreae
• Infection with Bonamia exitiosa
• Infection with Marteilia refringens
• Infection with Perkinsus marinus
• Infection with Perkinsus olseni
• Infection with Xenohaliotis californiensis.

Diseases of crustaceans

• Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci)

• Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis
• Infectious myonecrosis
• Necrotising hepatopancreatitis
• Taura syndrome
• White spot disease
• White tail disease
• Yellow head disease.

Yellowhead disease Diseases of Amphibians

• Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

• Infection with ranavirus
 Annexure V
No…………………………………….
Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries

Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

Dated the ………………..

To
Name and address of the company

Subject: Proposal for import of live ornamental fish – approval – regarding.

Sir,
I am directed to refer to your proposal/application (Ref. No…&.date) regarding
permission for import of live ornamental fishes and to convey the approval of this
Ministry for import of the following ornamental fishes by you/ your company from
(Name of the exporting country) as per the description and quantity mentioned in the
table below subject to the conditions as contained in the enclosed Guidelines for
import of ornamental fishes.

Sl.No. Common Name Scientific Name Quantity in number

The permission is granted for a period of one year from the date of issue of the
import license by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The approval is not
transferable and no amendments to the approval shall be issued.

This issues with the approval of the Chairman of the National Committee for
Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species in Indian Waters.

Encl: Guidelines for import of ornamental fishes.

Yours faithfully,

Signature of the issuing officer with seal

Copy for information to:

1. Secretary (Fisheries), Govt………………….

2. Director (Fisheries), Govt…………………...
3. Director, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resource (NBFGR), Lucknow.
4. Director General of Foreign Trade (Import Licensing Unit), Dept. of
Commerce, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi
5. Trade Division, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries,
Krishi Bhawan