Disinfection of Fishing Tackle

In order to protect the quality of its salmon fishery, Iceland employs a number of protective measures. The country has remained relatively free of freshwater diseases and maintains a strict disinfection policy towards tackle and waders imported by visiting anglers. This is detailed in the "Freshwater Fisheries Law" of 2006, prohibiting the use of fishing equipment which has been used for angling abroad, unless the equipment has been disinfected according to the guidelines listed below.

A certificate of disinfection issued by your local veterinary office will be accepted at the airport when you enter Iceland. The certificate should be clearly worded on officially headed paper with the appropriate stamp of approval. Your co-operation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment will help ensure a bright future for the wild Atlantic salmon.

Example of Veterinary Letter

Veterinary Letter

xx.xx.2010

To whom it may concern,

This is to certify that the following fishing tackle 
belonging to [your name] disinfected in a solution of 
Virkon S for a period of 10 minutes and then washed in 
clean water.

List of Tackle below:

2 fly fishing rods
3 fly reels with backing
5 fly lines
2 spare spools with flylines
2 spools of nylon
7 fly boxes
1 pair waders and wading shoes
1 net
1 scissors
2 knife


(Signature of Registered Vet)
-----------------------------

Guidelines for disinfection are as follows

1. Virkon (1 % solution)
2. Caustic soda (0,2 % solution)
3. Crystaline soda (5 % sol.)
4. Setex (0,3 % solution)
5. Korsolin (3 % solution)
6. Formalin (2 % formaldehyd solution)
7. Phenol solution (2-5 % solution)

The Company "Securitas" operates a fast, 24 hour disinfection service at Keflavik International Airport. Price is 50- - 55- US $ for each rod, including related accessories such as Waders, reels, flyboxes etc. Contact the custom officers for this service. You may have to wait for a few minutes.

And please note that all import of fresh bait of organic origin is strictly forbidden. This ban includes for example all kinds of worms, larvae, shrimps, minnows and eggs of fish. Any attempt to import such bait is punishable by law. Just the same, it may be imported if thoroughly cooked.