Wildlife trade
'Wildlife' is: Any whole, part or derivative of a plant or animal, either living or non-living. Eg Wood, seeds, insects, leather/fur, pills/medicines, faeces, teeth, meat, live plants, fresh or dried flowers etc.
Find out more about wildlife trade
Internationally endangered plants and animals (CITES)
Travellers and online shoppers
Australian native plants and animals
Trade in wildlife can pose a serious threat to Australia's unique biodiversity and to plants and animals around the world. That's why Australia strictly regulates the international movement of animals and plants, and animal and plant products, including:
- commercial trade (buying and selling of plants and animals or items made from them to/from overseas)
- non-commercial trade (such as the international movement of animals and plants for research and exhibition)
- bringing in plant and animal specimens for personal use
- taking Australian native animals out of Australia as pets
- buying goods over the internet (products from overseas that come from plants and animals)
- when you are travelling
Special requirements apply to endangered plants and animals (those included on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list).
You may need a permit if you want to bring into or take out of Australia a plant or animal, or animal/plant products.
You could face severe penalties if you break the law, so make sure you understand your responsibilities.
Please note that the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) is responsible for regulating the movement of wildlife into and out of Australia i.e. international trade. Alternatively, State and Territory agencies regulate the movement of wildlife within Australia i.e. between states.
- For more information contact:
The Director
Wildlife Trade Regulation Section
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6274 1900
Facsimile: (02) 6274 1921
Email: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au
Latest news
- Australian simplified list of CITES species - Updated 12 June 2013
- A non detriment finding for the Freshwater Sawfish, Pristis microdon has been prepared
- Important Notice for exporters and exporter agents: Improved wildlife permit validation procedures
- Important Notice for exporters of corals
- If in Doubt - check it out! Now available in six Pacific languages
- Important Notice on changes to permit process
- Important Notice on proposed increase to fees
Public notices
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