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How to export or import household pets

Wildlife trade fact sheet
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2008

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PLEASE NOTE: The material in this fact sheet is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. While efforts have been made to keep this material current, it may not exactly reflect Commonwealth legislation or Australias international obligations. For further information call the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on 02 6274 1900.

This information sheet provides specific information on how to legally export or import household pets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It should be read in conjunction with the general information sheets entitled: Permits to export or import wildlife or wildlife products and The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Introduction

The Australian Government is committed to protecting and conserving Australian native wildlife by regulating international trade. This helps to protect targeted species against overexploitation and also protects Australian ecosystems against the introduction of invasive species.

The Australian Government also supports the efforts of other nations to protect their wildlife, by implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 1.

In Australia, the export and import of wildlife and wildlife products is regulated under Part 13A of the EPBC Act, which is administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Regulation applies equally to individuals, commercial organisations and not-for-profit organisations.

Household pets and CITES

A number of species encountered as household pets have been included in CITES Appendix I or II in response to the decline in some wild populations as a result of unregulated international trade. Species of interest include various snakes, lizards, frogs, invertebrates, parrots and cockatoos, among others.

Exports

A permit is needed to export a household pet that is a regulated native species or a CITES listed species. If your pet is not a native or CITES listed species, it can be legally exported without a permit.

Before a permit may be issued, you must be able to demonstrate that you are an Australian resident (not necessarily a citizen) leaving Australia indefinitely and that you have legally owned and kept the animal as a bona fide household pet.

The export of live native animals is strictly regulated for conservation and welfare reasons. Export of live native animals (except fish and invertebrates) for commercial purposes is not permitted. The export of live native animals is limited to:

a maximum of three pet birds (in total) from the following species:

No other native animal may be exported under the household pet provisions of the legislation

If your pet is a CITES listed specimen you will need both an export and import permit in place before export can legally occur.

CITES Appendix I species are more rigidly regulated and are treated differently. If your pet is a CITES Appendix I listed specimen you will need to acquire a CITES import permit from the destination country before applying for an Australian export permit. The import permit will be required to support the export permit application.

Imports

The import of live animals into Australia is strictly regulated, however some animals are suitable for live import and do not need a permit.

Species or specimens listed under Part 1 of the EPBC Act live imports list are suitable for live import and do not need a permit.

Species or specimens listed under Part 2 of the list cannot be imported without an import permit.

Live specimens of species not included in either part 1 or 2 of the list may not be imported under any circumstances.

State governments may impose additional restrictions on the import of live animals.

If your pet is CITES Appendix II listed species, an export permit must be acquired from the exporting countries CITES Management Authority prior to any application for an Australian import permit. A copy of the export permit will be required to support the import permit application.

You must be able to demonstrate that you are relocating to Australia indefinitely and that you have legally owned and kept the animal as a bona fide household pet.

Permit applications

If a permit is required, you should make application according to the guidelines provided in the separate fact sheet entitled Permits to export or import wildlife or wildlife products. Your application should include Supplementary Form E (Household pet). The requisite application fee is AU$150. This fee will not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful.

In addition to any CITES permits that may be required, documentation will be required to verify the following:

What else do I need to know?

Please remember that the international movement of live animals is generally subject to strict quarantine requirements. You should make yourself familiar with the quarantine requirements of your destination country.

Exports and imports of wildlife and wildlife products may also be subject to regulation under the Customs Act 1901 (administered by the Australian Customs Service) and the Quarantine Act 1908 (administered by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service). These organisations may be contacted through offices in each state capital, or through their head offices:

Australian Customs Service
Customs House
5 Constitution Avenue
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6275 6666
Website: www.customs.gov.au 

Australian Quarantine and Inspection
Service (AQIS)
GPO Box 858
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6272 3933
Freecall: 1800 020 504
Website: www.aqis.gov.au 

Where can I get more information?

For more information on permits, please read the general information sheet entitled: Permits to export or import wildlife and wildlife products, or contact the department at the address below:

International Wildlife Trade Section
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO BOX 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6274 1900
Facsimile: (02) 6274 1921
E-mail: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au
Website: www.environment.gov.au/travel

Please remember that the international movement of live animals is generally subject to strict quarantine requirements. You should make yourself familiar with the quarantine requirements of your destination country, so that you do not waste your time and money on a permit that you cannot use.

1. See separate fact sheet entitled "CITES" for further information.

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