Fresh seafood
RestrictedLive and fresh catch needs permits and biosecurity checks.
Rules for fresh seafood vary by destination and species, and the official customs or biosecurity authority at the border makes the final decision.
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What this means
Fresh seafood means raw or chilled fish and shellfish such as fish fillets, prawns, crab, or oysters that have not been cooked or shelf-stabilised. Many countries allow reasonable personal amounts of fish and seafood, though some raw shellfish are restricted for biosecurity reasons. You should still declare seafood and keep it in its original packaging.
What's included
- Fresh or frozen whole fish and fillets
- Prawns and shrimp
- Crab, lobster, and other crustaceans
- Oysters, mussels, and clams
- Squid and octopus
- Chilled or iced seafood for personal use
What's not included
- Canned or shelf-stable seafood (canned-food)
- Live pet fish or aquarium animals (live-pets)
- Meat and poultry products (meat-poultry)
- Fishing rods, nets, and tackle (fishing-gear)
- Caviar from protected species (cites-species)
Common types & examples
Fresh or frozen fish
Personal amounts of fish and many seafoods are often allowed fresh or frozen.
Prawns and shrimp
Raw prawns are restricted in some places (such as Australia) due to shrimp disease risks.
Shellfish
Oysters, mussels, and clams may face extra controls in some destinations.
Cooked seafood
Fully cooked or dried products are sometimes accepted where raw versions are not.
Caviar and roe
Some fish roe is limited by quantity or by wildlife rules if from protected species.
Why it's regulated
Fresh seafood is regulated mainly for biosecurity, because raw fish and shellfish can carry aquatic-animal diseases, and partly for wildlife protection where the species is endangered.
Typical allowance
Many destinations allow a generous personal quantity of fish and seafood (for example, the EU and UK allow up to about 20 kg of fishery products, or one fish if it weighs more), while raw shellfish such as prawns may be restricted; limits vary by destination and species.
Provisional — confirm with your destination
Before you travel
Documents you may need
- Customs/biosecurity declaration form
- Receipt or original packaging showing country of origin and species
- Import permit or health certificate (only if required by the destination)
- CITES permit for products from protected species (e.g. some caviar)
Next steps
- 1.Check whether your destination restricts raw shellfish such as prawns
- 2.Declare all seafood on your customs/biosecurity form
- 3.Keep packaging showing the species and country of origin
- 4.Check for a CITES permit if the product may be from a protected species
- 5.Use the red channel or ask an officer if you are unsure
Official sources
- International Traveler: Meats, Poultry, and Seafood· USDA APHIS
- Taking animal products, food or plants with you in the EU· European Commission
- Prawn imports and biosecurity· Australia DAFF
- Prohibited and Restricted Items· U.S. CBP
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →