How to export kangaroo products
Wildlife trade fact sheet
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2008
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About the fact sheet
Please note: The material in this fact sheet is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. While efforts have been made to keep this material current, it may not exactly reflect Commonwealth legislation orAustralias international obligations. For further information call the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on 02 6274 1900.
This information sheet provides specific information on how to legally export kangaroo products under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It should be read in conjunction with the general information sheets entitled: Permits to export or import wildlife or wildlife products 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 supports the efforts of other nations to protect their wildlife, by implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).1
In Australia, the export and import of wildlife and wildlife products is regulated under Part 13A of the EPBC Act, which is administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Regulation applies equally to individuals, commercial organisations and not-for-profit organisations.
Kangaroos in trade
Kangaroos are harvested mainly to supply high-quality leather to the fashion industry. Meat and a range of souvenir products manufactured as by-products are also traded. 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 source
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 Service) and the Quarantine Act 1908 (administered by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service). These organisations may be contacted through offices in each statecapital, or through their head offices:
Australian Customs Service
Customs House
5 Constitution Avenue
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6275 6666
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: Permits to export or import wildlife and wildlife products, or contact the department at the address below:
International Wildlife Trade Section
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO BOX 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6274 1900
Facsimile: (02) 6274 1921
E-mail: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au
Website: www.environment.gov.au/travel
1. See separate fact sheet entitled "CITES" for further information.
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