Australia's biodiversity

How to export kangaroo products

Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, 2012

Download

This fact sheet provides information on how to legally export kangaroo products from Australia. It should be read in conjunction with the general information sheet entitled How to export or import wildlife and wildlife products and The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

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 Australian ecosystems against the introduction of invasive species.

The Australian Government also works with other nations to protect wildlife globally, by implementing CITES (see CITES fact sheet mentioned above).

In Australia, the export and import of wildlife and wildlife products is regulated under Part 13A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which is administered by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

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

Kangaroos in trade

Kangaroos are harvested to supply meat, high-quality leather to the fashion industry and a range of souvenir products. International trade in kangaroos is regulated for humane reasons, and for the protection of these iconic animals.

Exports

A permit issued by the department will generally be needed to legally export kangaroo products.

A permit may be issued for the export of kangaroo products for personal purposes, unless they have been acquired or kept illegally.

A permit may be issued for the export of kangaroo products for commercial purposes if they are derived from an approved source.

Exports of live kangaroos for personal or commercial purposes are not permitted.

Approved sources

The department has approved state-level wildlife trade management plans in place for Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.

Approved sources

The department has approved state-level wildlife trade management plans in place for Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.

Special permits and exemptions

An export permit issued by the department is not needed to legally export manufactured kangaroo products, in accompanied baggage for personal purposes.

What else do I need to know?

Exports and imports of wildlife and wildlife products may also be subject to regulation under the Customs Act 1901 (administered by the Australian Customs and Border Protection 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 and Border Protection Service
Customs House
5 Constitution Avenue
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: 02 6275 6666
Freecall: 1300 363 263
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 How to export or import wildlife and wildlife products or contact the department at the address below:

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Wildlife Trade Regulation Section

GPO BOX 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6274 1900
Facsimile: 02 6274 1921
Email: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au
Website: www.environment.gov.au/travel

The following links may also be of use or interest:

Cover page of fact sheet

Before you download

Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need a PDF reader to view PDF files.
List of PDF readers 

If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.