Certification as a Shellfish Dealer

Certification as a shellfish dealer is required to conduct processing of bivalve Certification by the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) as a shellfish dealer/processor is required prior to conducting certain activities included in the definition of a bivalve shellfish handler.

Bivalve shellfish include all edible species of oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops, either shucked or in the shell, fresh or frozen, whole or in part (excluding shucked scallops consisting of the adductor muscle only).

A shellfish handler is defined as “any person, persons, or business engaged in the growing, harvesting, buying, treating, packing, selling, shipping, or other processing of shellfish.”

More specifically, certification as a shellfish dealer/processor is required prior to engaging in activities including, but not limited to, the following:

• Wholesaling shellfish to retailers
• Receiving shellfish from non-certified sources, including non-certified shellfish harvesters/aquaculturists/growers
• Harvesting shellfish then selling/shipping them to non-certified retailers or final consumers
• Shucking and packing shellfish
• Repacking shucked shellfish into containers other than the original container
• Wet storage of shellfish
• Depuration of shellfish

More Information:

de.gov/shellfish

Department: DNREC

Division: Watershed Stewardship

Program:  Shellfish & Recreational Water Program

Term:

1 Year, renewed each April 1

Fee:

None

Application Information:

Shellfish Plant Inspections

Applicable Laws:

https://delcode.delaware.gov/title7/c019/index.shtml

Applicable Regulation:

https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/5000/7400/7402.shtml

Contact:

Andrew Bell can be contacted by email at andrew.bell@delaware.gov or by phone at 302-608-5511.

Notice

This search covers most of the frequently requested licenses, certifications, registrations, and filings that the State of Delaware requires. However, this is not a fully exhaustive list of every possible requirement. Please consult with the appropriate state agencies to find out if there are additional requirements you must fulfill.