We are very pleased to say that the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) has agreed to put an element of its fee increase – planned to come into effect on 1st April – on hold until the end of April. This is very welcome news because around 80% of ornamental fish imported into the UK come through Heathrow.
We’ve been in discussions with the HARC about proposed fee increases after concerns were raised to us by importers, particularly because of the disruption of flights caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
We’d like to thank the team at the HARC for listening and responding to our concerns and the evidence we submitted, especially as the flights available to fish importers are very limited in comparison to other imports entering Heathrow.
Below is the HARC statement in full:
In light of the flight disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the additional costs facing importers, HARC has obtained authority to temporarily suspend the implementation of the higher rate of fees for non-HARC designated airlines.
From 1st April 2026, the new Byelaws will apply, but only column B will be applied to aquatic imports. This will apply until 30/04/26 and the decision will be reviewed ahead of this date.
The City of London Corporation and the team at HARC very much appreciate your engagement on this matter and we hope that this decision goes some way to providing the interim support needed for your business.
