Shucker-Packers (SP) can perform all activities allowed for Harvesters and Shellstock Shippers, plus they can shuck shellfish, pack shucked shellfish into jars or similar containers, and repack shucked shellfish into different containers. Learn more about General Requirements for Shucker-Packers (PDF).
How to Apply for a Shucker Packer (SP) License
To apply for a Commercial Shellfish Harvester license, you will need to complete the electronic forms listed below AND mail the appropriate License and Biotoxin Fee (PDF), to:
Department of Health, Accounts Receivable, PO Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98504-1099
We cannot process unsigned or incomplete applications.
Submit the Following Forms
- License Application (Word)
- Plan of Operations for Shucker Packer (Word)
- Harvest Site Application
- Not a member of a Washington Treaty Tribe: Harvest Site Application (PDF)
- Member of a Washington Treaty Tribe: Tribal Harvest Site Application (PDF) - Plan to harvest oysters from May through September?
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus Harvest Plan (PDF) - If you intend to harvest oysters from May through September you must complete and return this harvest plan 2 weeks before planned harvest. You may not harvest shellstock oysters from May through September without a Department of Health approved plan. If your plan hasn't changed from the previous year, sign and date your plan, and keep it for your records.
Licensing Information
Commercial Shellfish licenses are not transferable. If an operation sells to a new owner, they will need to apply for a new operation and will receive a new certificate number.
If you need to update a mailing address or add a new owner, complete this Commercial Shellfish License Update Request (PDF)
License Renewal
All Shucker-Packer licenses expire June 30 of each year. Licenses must be renewed by July 1 to remain active. Licensed operations will receive their licensing packet by mail about two months before June 30 of each year. You can pay by check or online, see Commercial Shellfish License Online Payment Guide (PDF).
Other Information
Rulemaking Changes: Chapter 246-282 WAC Sanitary Control of Shellfish are the state rules that commercial shellfish operations must follow. DOH recently updated those rules. A summary of the changes and educational documents of the changes can be found below:
- Seed Size, Aquaculture, and Wild Seed Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Transplant Guidance (PDF)
- Shellstock Tag Change Guidance (PDF)
- Vp Control Plan Rule Changes Guidance (PDF)
- WAC Definitions Update (PDF)
Training: DOH offers Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), rulemaking, Vibrio, and biotoxin training. Training dates can be found here: Commercial Shellfish Training | Washington State Department of Health
Permits: Depending on how you operate, you may need to get additional permits. Review the requirements for Aquaculture, Relay, and Wet Storage permits.
Export Certificates: Learn more about how to get an export certificate.
Keep and Review
Do not send us the following documents:
- General Requirements for Shucker-Packers (PDF)
- Commercial Shellfish Harvesting and Cultivating on Private Land (PDF) - Summary of state regulatory requirements and Indian treaty harvest rights.
- Harvest, Purchase, and Sales Record (PDF)
- Recall Notification Log (PDF)
- Recall Procedures (PDF) - Complete and have available for your inspector to review.
- Shellstock Labeling Requirements (PDF)
- Shellstock Tag Examples (PDF)
- Shipping Documentation Guidance (PDF)