Compliance and record keeping guide for ownership of exotic birds in Australia

About the document

The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was established in 1975 to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The Department of the Environment and Energy (the Department) has primary responsibility for the implementation of Australia’s requirements for international movement of species listed under CITES. These requirements are given effect through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

This guide outlines the responsibilities that exotic bird owners, hobbyist breeders, and pet industry professionals have under Australian law, including procedures for record keeping and transparency in exotic bird ownership to help prevent illegal trade and ensure compliance with CITES and the EPBC Act.

Further information

• Household pets