European Union - Artemia Cysts and Similar Aquatic Invertebrate Products

Products labeled as finished ready for retail pet food

The EU has indicated that pertinent Regulation (EU) 142/2011 Chapter 3 certificate is required for consignments of aquatic invertebrates labeled as pet food.

For production of pet food (not intended to be hatched)

The EU has indicated that the pertinent Regulation (EU) 142/2011 Chapter 3 certificate is required for aquatic invertebrates exported to the EU for the production of pet food.

For use in the aquaculture industry, for further farming, or to be used as live feed for aquaculture animals

In 2012 the EU confirmed: “Brine shrimp cysts entering the EU and destined for an aquaculture farm for further farming or to be used as live feed for aquaculture animals are covered by Counciland its implementing Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008. For these animals the model animal health certificate laid down in Part A of Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 must be used.”

For more information on the requirements for the export of aquatic invertebrates to the EU under Regulation 1251/2008, please consult the “Export Requirements- Animals” section of this website.

For use as “sea monkeys” or other ornamental purposes

The EU has indicated these materials are considered live animals and may not be imported as “products”. In 2012 the EU confirmed: “Brine shrimp cysts entering the EU as dried cysts caught in the wild, intended for ornamental purposes (sea monkeys) and destined to be kept dry until arrival to final consumer will fall outside the scope of Council Directive 2006/88/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008. As there are no animal health conditions harmonized at EU level for these animals, Council Directive 92/65/EEC applies. It is for the importing EU-country to consider whether animal health conditions have to be respected in accordance with their national legislation (in line with provisions laid down in Directive 92/65/EEC, Article 17 (2) last indent). The European Commission informed EU-countries that they do not consider that these animals pose an animal health threat to the EU. They may be presented to the BIP with a commercial document, unless the EU-country of destination demands additional health requirements, e.g. a health certificate. Consequently the consignment may be only marketed in the EU-country of destination but not in other EU-countries.”

For more information on potential export of aquatic invertebrates as “sea monkeys” or for other ornamental purposes, please consult the “Export Requirements- Animals” section of this website.

Other Uses and/or Other Certificates

Note: Product certificates other than the Regulation (EU) 142/2011 Chapter 3 certificates may not be endorsed by APHIS for consignments of aquatic invertebrates and their derivatives to the EU.