Wholesale Only Shellstock Shipper (SS) operations are limited to purchasing shellstock and reshipping it in state, out of state, to other countries, and to retail establishments. They are not authorized to cultivate or harvest shellstock. As the name implies, they act strictly as wholesalers of commercial shellfish. Learn more about General Requirements for Shellstock Shippers Wholesale Only (PDF).
Companies that want to operate as commercial shellfish wholesalers must have a Shellstock Shipper license. Shellstock Shipper licenses expire June 30 of each year. Licenses must be renewed by July 1 to remain active.
How to Apply for a Wholesale Shellstock Shipper (SS) 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. All Wholesale Only Shellstock Shipper licenses expire June 30 of each year. Licenses must be renewed by July 1 to remain active.
Submit the Following Forms
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 Shellstock Shipper (Wholesale) 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 Shellstock Shippers (PDF) - Wholesale Only
- Commercial Shellfish Harvesting and Cultivating on Private Land (PDF) - Summary of state regulatory requirements and Indian treaty harvest rights.
- Recall Notification Log (PDF)
- Recall Procedures (PDF) - Complete and have available for your inspector to review.
- Harvest, Purchase, and Sales Record (PDF)
- Shellstock Tag Example for Dealers (PDF)
- Shipping Documentation Guidance (PDF)