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Licences to transport animals into and out of NSW
July 2002
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.
2. Obtain an import/export licence from the NPWS
Interstate import and export licences are issued for a single consignment of fauna during a maximum period of one month. To apply for a licence, download and fill in the application form below. The licence fee is $20.
- Application for a NSW import or export licence (PDF - 18KB)
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:
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
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.
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