Licences to transport animals into and out of NSW

Importing and exporting animals interstate

The interstate import and export of fauna is subject to monitoring and regulatory controls by the fauna protection agencies in all states and territories.

Before you import a protected native animal into NSW or export it from the state, you must do the following:

1. Check if the animal is exempt from import/export licensing requirements

There are a number of protected birds which you don't need a licence to keep in NSW. If you plan to import or export any of these birds, you will not need a NSW import/export licence. For all other protected native animals, you will need an import/export licence.

See the list of exempt bird species.

2. Obtain an import/export licence from OEH

Interstate import and export licences are issued for a single consignment of the fauna species specified on the licence for a maximum period of one month. Import and export permits are available for all classes of native fauna.

Online applications
You can now apply online for the immediate issue of import and export licences for all class 1 native animal species using the NSW Government Licensing Service (GLS). To apply for a licence, download and fill in the application form below. Make sure you:

use capital letters when entering your name, for example John William Smith
enter your phone number details in the format 0295856401 or 0401000000 for mobile numbers (no spaces)
enter your address accurately using the Quick Address System (QAS) provided in the GLS.

A 15% discount (off the standard $30 licence fee) applies to online applications. There is an additional 10% discount for online pensioner applications.

Import-Export applications for advanced class animals are also available online. Immediate approvals do not apply to advanced class animals applications at this stage. Please allow 14 days for approval.

Other applications
You can also apply for a licence by downloading an application form and emailing or mailing it to the Wildlife Licensing and Management Unit. Please allow a minimum of 14 working days for your licence to be processed. A 10% discount is available for pensioners. No other discounts apply.

Please note that OEH reviews all applications for animal keeper licences for compliance and enforcement purposes.

3. Make sure that the person in the other state, who you are importing from or exporting to, has the appropriate licence or movement permit from their state's fauna protection agency

You will need to provide details of the other person's licence or movement permit when you apply for an import/export licence from the NPWS. Check the website of the other state's fauna protection agency for more details:

Importing and exporting animals internationally

Australia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This convention includes a list of species that are endangered, or at risk of becoming endangered, because of inadequate controls over international trade in them or their products. The convention's member countries have agreed to monitor and control the international import and export of these species.

In Australia, CITES controls are administered by the Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage under the provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Department of Environment and Heritage issues licences for the import and export of CITES-listed species.