How to export or import orchid specimens
Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, 2010
Download
This fact sheet provides information on how to legally export or import orchid specimens from and to Australia. It should be read in conjunction with the general information sheets entitled How to export or import 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.
About orchids
Orchids, known for their stunning flowers, are the largest family of flowering plants (Orchidaceae) in the world, with over 30 000 species identified. They are distributed in most countries and are especially prolific in tropical regions, where the majority of species grow on the trunks and branches of trees.
Orchids and CITES
All species of orchid are listed CITES Appendix I and II. Apart from the exemptions listed below, orchid specimens, including all parts and derivatives, cannot legally be exported from, or imported into, Australia, unless they are accompanied by valid CITES import and export permits or a pre-CITES certificate.
The full list of CITES species can be viewed at: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/lists/cites/pubs/cites.pdf
CITES exemptions for orchids
Some exemptions allow certain orchid specimens to be imported or exported without CITES permits.
For species listed in Appendix I, no permits are required for:
- seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid media, transported in sterile containers.
For species listed in Appendix II, and artificially propagated hybrids of Appendix I species, no permits are required for:
- seeds, spores and pollen (including pollinia)
- seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid media, transported in sterile containers
- cut flowers of artificially propagated plants, or
- the fruits of artificially propagated plants of the genus Vanilla and parts and derivatives of those fruits.
Additionally, no permits are required for artificially propagated specimens of Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis and Vanda, provided specific shipment and labelling conditions have been met. Details of the specific requirements are outlined in the Australian Guide to the list of CITES species, which can be viewed at: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/lists/cites/pubs/cites.pdf
Plants not clearly qualifying for an exemption must be accompanied by appropriate CITES documents.
General exports and imports
In addition to the Australian CITES permits, it will usually be necessary to obtain a CITES import or export permit from the CITES management authority of the country of export.
Personal imports and exports
A permit can generally be issued for the import or export of orchid specimens for personal purposes (the specimen must not be intended for trade or sale), provided the specimens are not listed on Appendix I and have been legally sourced.
Commercial exports
A permit can generally be issued for the export of orchid specimens for commercial purposes if they are derived from an approved source (see below).
Commercial imports
A permit can generally be issued for the import of orchid specimens for commercial purposes if an overseas CITES export permit has been obtained. In the case of Appendix I specimens the CITES export permit must certify that the specimens have been artificially propagated.
Re-exports
A re-export permit may be issued for the export of orchid specimens that have been legally imported into Australia, subject to any conditions legally imposed at the time of import.
Approved sources for export
The following approved sources apply to exports of orchid specimens for commercial purposes:
- Appendix I species — artificial propagation program approved by the department
- Appendix II species — artificial propagation program, wildlife trade operation, or wildlife trade management plans approved by the department.
See below for the link to view details of sources approved by the department.
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:
- List of CITES species
- Permit application forms
- CITES authorities in other countries
- Approved sources of wildlife for commercial export
- Appendix I Artificial propagation operations (or captive breeding operations) registered with the CITES Secretariat
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.