Live import list
List of specimens taken to be suitable for live import
Plant and animal specimens considered to be suitable for live import into Australia are listed in the live import list.
Live specimens or reproductive material may only be imported if they appear on the live import list.
Note: Check the CITES species list to see whether the species that you intend to import live also requires CITES permits
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About the list
The live import list consists of two parts:
- Part 1 contains specimens that can be brought into Australia without a permit from the federal environment department.
- Part 2 contains specimens that require a permit from the department before being permitted for import into Australia. Conditions and restrictions may be imposed on any imports of these specimens.
If a specimen is included on the live import list it can be imported as either a whole organism or as reproductive material.
If a live specimen is not included on one of the lists then the specimen cannot be imported.
Be aware that you may also require permits from other government departments before being permitted to import a live plant or animal into Australia.
Definitions
As defined in national environment law (the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999):
- Animal means any member, alive or dead, of the animal kingdom (other than a human being).
- Live animal includes the live animal and any viable reproductive material.
- Plant means a member, alive or dead, of the plant kingdom or of the fungus kingdom, and includes a part of a plant and plant reproductive material.
- Live plant includes the live plant and any viable reproductive material.
Declaration
The list of specimens that are taken to be suitable for live import was established on 11 January 2002. See the declaration establishing the list:
- Declaration to establish the list of specimens taken to be suitable for live import (live import list) (PDF - 12 KB) | (Doc - 21 KB)
Guidance on the import of live hybrid animals
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Department) has developed the following information to clarify the Department's position in relation to the import of live hybrid animals to Australia.
It is the Department's approach that the import of live animals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) is restricted to species, subspecies and hybrid specimens that are explicitly listed in the "List of Specimens taken to be Suitable for Live Import" (the live import list). As a general rule, the Department's policy is that any cross or hybrid specimen (irrespective of generational distance from the original mating or wild ancestor) is prohibited from import to Australia unless it is specifically listed on the live import list.
For further information clarifying the purpose of the live import list, the Department's policy position on hybrids or the Department's regulatory requirements in relation to hybrid animals, please go to:
Amending the live import list
Anyone, whether a member of the public, a public or private institution or a commercial enterprise, can apply to the Australian Government environment minister to amend the live import list to include a new specimen.
For information about amending the live import list contact:
The Director
Wildlife Trade Regulation Section
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6274 1900
Facsimile: (02) 6274 1921
Email: exotic.species@environment.gov.au
For information about permits contact:
The Director
Wildlife Trade Regulation Section
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6274 1900
Facsimile: (02) 6274 1921
Email: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au
Wildlife trade regulation
Exports and imports of plants and animals (including products) may be subject to regulation under the following legislation:
EPBC Act 1999
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Customs Act 1901
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Quarantine Act 1908
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
State and territory regulations
State and territory lists
Every Australian state and territory has its own list of specimens it will and will not allow within its borders.
Before submitting an application to the department, you should contact the relevant authority in your state or territory to determine if they will allow you to keep your proposed specimen.
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