Washington Code 77.65.280 – Fish dealer license — Exemption

(1) A fish dealer license is required for a person in the state who:

Terms Used In Washington Code 77.65.280

person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080

(a) Takes possession of raw or frozen fish or shellfish, in whole or in parts, to prepare, repackage, process, or preserve. This includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Canning or processing of fish or shellfish for payment, whether the fish or shellfish is commercially harvested or taken for personal use; and

(ii) The commercial manufacture or preparation of fertilizer, oil, meal, caviar, fish bait, or any other by-products from fish or shellfish;

(b) Engages in the wholesale selling, buying, or brokering of raw or frozen fish or shellfish. Certain buyers may be additionally required to obtain a wholesale fish buyer endorsement as specified in RCW 77.65.340.

(2) A fish dealer license is not required for:

(a) Licensed commercial fish or shellfish harvesters who either sell only to licensed wholesale fish buyers or who possess a limited fish seller endorsement;

(b) Retail businesses that purchase exclusively from Washington licensed wholesale fish buyers or from limited fish sellers for sale to end consumers.

(3) A business engaged in any activity requiring a fish dealer license only needs to purchase one fish dealer license to cover the actions of all employees.

(4) The annual license fee for a resident fish dealer is four hundred dollars. The fee for a nonresident fish dealer license is seven hundred eighty-five dollars. The application fee for both resident and nonresident licenses is one hundred five dollars.