Wildlife trade resources

 

Final report - Independent assessment into options for a national registration scheme for native and exotic live birds in Australia

An Independent Report was undertaken on the feasibility of implementing a registration scheme to help prove the lineage of bird specimens being exported out of Australia. Based on the available evidence outlined in the report, the department has concluded that a national bird registration scheme cannot be justified at this time but could be considered in the future should the evidence base change.

The department is inviting individuals to make a confidential submission of alleged illicit trade information in live birds and eggs, via the department’s website: Report a perceived breach of environment law. Information will be assessed upon receipt and further compliance and enforcement actions may be undertaken as a result.

Following a 12-month period, an evaluation of findings and provision of options for further action will be considered.

Independent assessment into options for a national registration scheme for native and exotic live birds in Australia (PDF - 2.54 MB)
Independent assessment into options for a national registration scheme for native and exotic live birds in Australia (PPTX - 14.2 MB)

Independent review – Regulation of the export of native and exotic birds, February 2021

An independent review of Australia’s wildlife trade permit approvals was undertaken to ensure adequate protections are in place for wildlife trade. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has accepted all recommendations contained in the report.

Regulation of the export of native and exotic birds (PDF - 726.45 KB)
Regulation of the export of native and exotic birds (DOCX - 1.14 MB)

General forms and guidelines

Permit application form

All permit and certificate types can be applied for via our online permit application form.

Wildlife Trade Online Services - User Guide (PDF - 1.63 MB)
Wildlife Trade Online Services - User Guide (DOCX - 2.9 MB)

Wildlife Trade Online Services Permit Acquittal User Guide (PDF - 1.18 MB)
Wildlife Trade Online Services Permit Acquittal User Guide (DOCX - 1.77 MB)

Specimen export record (SER) order form

Complete the order form to request additional Specimen Export Records.

Note: You must have submitted an application for, or be the holder of, a valid Multiple Consignment Authority at the time of requesting Specimen Export Records

Order form for Native and CITES wildlife product Specimen Export Records (PDF - 127.17 KB)
Order form for Native and CITES wildlife product Specimen Export Records (DOCX - 28.83 KB)

Specimen export record (SER) templates and instructions

Use these templates when completing Specimen Export Record forms:

Native export template (PDF - 55.76 KB)

Native export template instructions (Non-CITES) (PDF - 124.13 KB)
Native export template instructions (Non-CITES) (DOCX - 113.92 KB)

CITES export template (PDF - 457.38 KB)

CITES export template instructions (PDF - 124.12 KB)
CITES export template instructions (DOCX - 112.8 KB)

CITES export template for multiple tags or identifiers (PDF - 431.8 KB)

CITES export template for multiple tags or identifiers instructions (PDF - 174.39 KB)
CITES export template for multiple tags or identifiers instructions (DOCX - 105.45 KB)

CITES re-export template (PDF - 467.57 KB)

CITES re-export template instructions (PDF - 443.45 KB)
CITES re-export template instructions (DOCX - 122.73 KB)

Customs procedures and export permits

All goods, regardless of value, that require a wildlife permit for export must be reported to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on an export declaration prior to being loaded or exported (this includes items being exported via mail). Find out more about the procedures:

Notice to exporters of wildlife products WTR2013/1 Export Procedures (PDF - 103.22 KB)
Notice to exporters of wildlife products WTR2013/1 Export Procedures (DOCX - 235.24 KB)

Live import forms and guides

Application to amend the Live Import List

Use the following application form and guidelines to apply to amend the live import list.

Application to amend the List of Specimens taken to be Suitable for Live Import (PDF - 617 KB)
Application to amend the List of Specimens taken to be Suitable for Live Import (DOCX - 636 KB)

Guidelines for preparing your assessment report to amend the live import list (PDF - 91.71 KB)
Guidelines for preparing your assessment report to amend the live import list (DOCX - 627.86 KB)

Terms of reference (PDF - 32.22 KB)
Terms of reference (DOCX - 616.93 KB)

Guidelines for preparing a report for Australian native species (PDF - 57.44 KB)
Guidelines for preparing a report for Australian native species (DOCX - 621.79 KB)

Terms of reference for a report for Australian native animal species (PDF - 32.09 KB)
Terms of reference for a report for Australian native animal species (DOCX - 609.3 KB)

Research Terms of Reference (PDF - 39.45 KB)
Research Terms of Reference (DOCX - 616.46 KB)

Biological control agents terms of reference (PDF - 78.79 KB)
Biological control agents terms of reference (DOCX - 608.67 KB)

Flowchart of the process for applications to amend the live import list to include animals

The Department manages applications to amend the live import list to include animals. The process outlined in the flow chart is relevant to applications to import specimens not currently permitted for import into Australia.

Importing exotic fish

Importing exotic birds

Movement transaction record form for low-interest species exotic birds are used when you sell, loan or give birds as gifts-for low-interest species only.

Movement transaction record form for low interest species (Class 2 and Class 3) exotic birds (PDF - 63.76 KB)

Low-interest bird activity record form is used to record information about your birds-for low-interest species only.

Low interest bird activity record form (PDF - 64.28 KB)

Importing exotic cats

Live export and non-commercial forms and guides

Conditions for the overseas transfer of Australian native animals

Specific conditions apply to the export from Australia of certain Australian native animals. Currently, such conditions apply to the export of koalas, wombats and macropods (kangaroos, wallabies and allies).

Facility assessments

Facility assessments are required for all imports and exports of live native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The full facility assessment criteria are available on the facility assessment page.

Co-operative Conservation Programs

Approval of a cooperative conservation program is required for all CITES Appendix I species where there is an intention to transfer live animals into or out of Australia for conservation breeding purposes.

The Co-operative Conservation Program criteria are available on the Co-operative Conservation Program page.

Guidelines and application form for approval of a cooperative conservation program (PDF - 183.72 KB)
Guidelines and application form for approval of a cooperative conservation program (DOC - 147 KB)

Recognised zoological organisations

If your organisation has not previously been issued with a permit to import or export live animals for zoo purposes, you may be required to complete an application for assessment as a recognised zoological organisation prior to applying for a permit. Only organisations that are open to the general public for the primary, but not necessarily exclusive purpose of educational exhibition of wildlife, can apply to import or export CITES species and Australian native species. If you are unsure whether this form applies to your situation please contact the Department.

Application for assessment as a recognised zoological organisation for the purposes of import and export of wildlife to and from Australia (PDF - 222.13 KB)
Application for assessment as a recognised zoological organisation for the purposes of import and export of wildlife to and from Australia (DOC - 107.5 KB)

Scientific exchange

Registered scientific institutions may exchange certain specimens of CITES listed species and Australian native specimens without a permit, provided it is part of an exchange of non-commercial scientific specimens. This exemption for certain scientific specimens is designed to facilitate scientific study, including study into the conservation, management, identification, classification and taxonomy of species.

Application for registration of scientific organisation for exchange of scientific specimens (PDF - 131.84 KB)
Application for registration of scientific organisation for exchange of scientific specimens (DOCX - 161.11 KB)

Sustainable harvest programs and forms

Application for approval of an aquaculture program

If you would like your operation to be included in the list of approved aquaculture programs, use this form to apply for an approved aquaculture program.

Guidelines, approval processes and submission details are all included with the form.

Application form and guidelines for approval of an aquaculture program (PDF - 221.02 KB)
Application form and guidelines for approval of an aquaculture program (DOCX - 148.23 KB)

Application for approval of an artificial propagation program

If you would like your operation to be included in the list of approved artificial propagation programs, use this form to apply for an approved artificial propagation program.

Guidelines, approval processes and submission details are all included with the form.

Application form and guidelines for approval of an artificial propagation program (PDF - 274.32 KB)
Application form and guidelines for approval of an artificial propagation program (DOCX - 243.1 KB)

Application for approval of a captive breeding program

If you would like your operation to be included in the list of approved captive breeding programs, use this form to apply for an approved captive breeding program.

Guidelines, approval processes and submission details are all included with the form.

Application form and guidelines for approval of a captive breeding program (PDF - 172.71 KB)
Application form and guidelines for approval of a captive breeding program (DOCX - 150.39 KB)

Application for approval of a commercial import plan

If you would like your operation to be included in the list of approved commercial import plans, use this form to apply for an approved commercial import program.

Guidelines, approval processes and submission details are all included with the form.

Application form and guidelines for approval of a commercial import program (PDF - 139.66 KB)
Application form and guidelines for approval of a commercial import program (RTF - 1.41 MB)

Application for approval of a wildlife trade management plan

If you would like your operation to be approved as a wildlife management plan, use this form to apply for an approved wildlife management plan.

Approval processes and submission details are all included with the form.

No guidelines have been prepared for the approval of a wildlife trade management plan. If you intend to apply for approval of a wildlife trade management plan, please contact us for a copy of the model management plan.

Application for approval of a wildlife trade management plan (PDF - 161.31 KB)
Application for approval of a wildlife trade management plan (DOCX - 125.37 KB)

Application for approval of a wildlife trade operation

If you would like your operation to be included in the list of approved wildlife trade operation, use this form to apply for an approved wildlife trade management plan.

Guidelines, approval processes and submission details are all included with the form.

Application form and guidelines for approval of a wildlife trade operation (PDF - 248.35 KB)
Application form and guidelines for approval of a wildlife trade operation (DOCX - 160.25 KB)

Wildlife Trade Management Plans

Compliance forms and guides

Notice of seizure

A Notice of Seizure is issued when an item is, or is suspected of being, derived from a regulated species and was not accompanied by the appropriate wildlife trade permits.

You can apply for the return of your item by completing the online application form.

Guides for travellers and traders

Guides for travelers

Traditional medicine fact sheets

Guides for traders

CITES species guides

Trade in Ivory and rhino horn

Trade in African lion specimens

Trade in rosewood

Trade in monkey meat

Sharks

Crocodiles

Kangaroos