Australian native plants and animals

Australian native specimens

Exporting specimens (non–live)

Exporting live Australian native plants and animals

Wild harvest of Australian native animals

Kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles and possums

Australia boasts an amazing and diverse range of unique animals and plants, and a high value is placed on our plants and animals. The Australian Government is therefore committed to protecting and conserving Australian native plants and animals by regulating international trade. This helps to protect species against overexploitation, and Australian ecosystems against the introduction of invasive species.

Live Australian native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians may not be exported for commercial uses under any circumstances.

Australia strictly controls trade in:

Australian native specimens
internationally endangered species (those on the CITES list)
live animals

Exporting live Australian native plants and animals

Live Australian native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians may not be exported for commercial uses under any circumstances.

You may commercially export other live animals (invertebrates and fish) and live plants if they come from an approved source.

However, you may export live Australian native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians for several non-commercial uses such as:

You may be able to export some live Australian native pets, but only if you are an Australian resident permanently leaving Australia (specific species only).

You will generally need a permit to export live native animals.

Exporting specimens (non–live) of Australian native plants and animals

You may commercially export specimens (non–live) of Australian native animals and plants if they are accompanied by the appropriate export permits and come from an approved source such as:

You may export specimens of Australian native plants and animals for some non-commercial uses such as research, education or exhibition.

You may also export specimens as personal items.

You will generally need a permit to export Australian native specimens.