Importing Hybrid Animals into Australia – including hybrid pet breeds

The import of live animals into Australia is regulated by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as administered by the Department of the Environment and Energy, and the Biosecurity Act 2015, as administered by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. These laws apply to all importers of live animals.

The EPBC Act has established a List of Specimens taken to be Suitable for Live Import (the Live Import List) and only animals which are on this List can be imported into Australia. Animals not on the Live Import List are prohibited imports and substantial penalties apply to their unlawful import. Hybrid animals must be assessed for inclusion on the Live Import List. The only hybrid on the Live Import List is the mule/hinny (horse x donkey).

The Department of the Environment and Energy is updating the Guidance on the Import of Live Hybrid Animals. The revised Guidance will be made available for public comment before it is finalised. During this period, the Guidance on the import of live hybrid animals remains in effect. Hybrid breeds, apart from the mule/hinny, are not permitted into Australia. This includes hybrid pet breeds.

Please note, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is the department that issues permits for the import of domestic pets. If you wish to import a domestic cat or dog (non-hybrid breeds), information on permit requirements and how to complete the permit application is available at: Bringing cats and dogs (and other pets) to Australia

Bengal Cats

The Bengal cat is a hybrid animal that has resulted from crossing an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and a domestic cat (Felis catus). Domestic cats are listed on Part 1 of the Live Import List and as such they do not require a permit from the Department of the Environment and Energy to be imported into Australia, although a permit may be required from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The Asian Leopard Cat is a prohibited import.

Bengal cats may be permitted if it can be proved that the animal is five generations or more removed from the Asian Leopard cat, this is known as an F5 hybrid. An F5 hybrid has been derived from a cross between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, with the offspring of that pairing being bred with a domestic cat and the offspring of that pairing being bred with a domestic cat, down to at least five generations. After five generations of having been bred with a domestic cat the Department of the Environment and Energy will consider permitting the import of that animal, by considering that animal as a domestic cat. Proof would need to be in the form of official pedigree papers for the animal in question, going back at least 4 generations. If the owner or importer does not have official paperwork to fulfil this import requirement, the cat may be deemed not eligible for import to Australia.

If you are returning to Australia with a Bengal cat that you have taken overseas with you, you will need to provide proof of export and identification (Owner’s name, animal’s name and microchip number) so the Department of the Environment and Energy can consider approving the animal's return.

The Department of the Environment and Energy is reviewing its policies in regard to imports of hybrid species, including Bengal cats, and these arrangements may change.

Please check with the Department of the Environment and Energy when you begin planning to import a Bengal cat for advice on import requirements.

Process for importing a Bengal cat into Australia:

  1. Check the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website (Bringing cats and dogs (and other pets) to Australia) for all permit requirements for cat imports.
  2. If you believe you will be able to meet these requirements and the animal is a Bengal cat, contact Department of the Environment and Energy on exotic.animals@environment.gov.au or phone +61 2 6274 2678 with identification (Owner’s name, animal’s name and microchip number) and pedigree of the Bengal cat (to prove cat is an F5 hybrid as described above or greater).
  3. The Department of the Environment and Energy will consider information provided and advise you and Department of Agriculture and Water Resources whether the animal is considered to be a domestic cat.
  4. If the animal is considered to be a domestic cat, apply for an import permit from Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.