A NSW Government website

Licences to transport native animals interstate

Find out about import and export licences to transport native animals into or out of New South Wales.

The interstate import and export of native animals is regulated in each state and territory.

In New South Wales, native animals are protected by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).

When you need a licence

You need an import/export licence granted under the BC Act to transport most native animals across the state's borders.

The import/export licences are generally granted:

When you don't need a licence

You don't need an interstate import/export licence if you intend to import or export:

For all other native animal species, you will need to apply for an import/export licence to authorise movement across state borders.

Apply for an import or export licence

When you apply for an import/export licence to move native animals interstate you must provide:

Licence cost and duration

A NSW import/export licence costs $30 and is valid for a maximum period of one month for one consignment only during this period.

Apply online

Apply online for the automatic granting of a licence concerning class 1 native animal species.

You can apply online for a licence concerning advanced class animal species, but applications are individually assessed before a licence is granted. Allow up to 28 working days for assessment.

A 10% discount (off the standard $30 licence fee) applies to online applications.

Apply for an import/export licence

You can apply for a licence by completing and submitting an application for an import/export licence.

Allow up to 28 working days for your application to be processed once it is received.

Please email us at [email protected] if you are unable to complete the online form for your application.

Comply with licence conditions

Licences to import or export native animals are granted under the BC Act with conditions. Conditions may differ between licences as considered appropriate by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department).

Under section 2.14 of the BC Act it is an offence to contravene or fail to comply with a condition of your licence. The department may conduct random audits of licensees to ensure licence conditions are being met.

Licensees and all authorised people must also comply with other statutory or regulatory provisions relevant to this licence such as:

The following licence conditions are current at the time of publication and are subject to change at any time.

Conditions for interstate importing or exporting native animals

Sample conditions of an import/export licence

  1. This class of biodiversity conservation licence granted under Part 2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) is subject to approval of the interstate authority related to this licence.
  2. This licence authorises the import/export of only the specific species of native animal(s) listed on the licence certificate.
  3. Where the actual number of animals of a species that is imported or exported under this licence is different to the maximum number listed, then the licensee must advise the Wildlife Licensing Team, in writing or by email, the relevant licence number and the actual number of that species that was moved. The advice is to be received within seven days of the movement of the animal.
  4. This licence may be cancelled if the licensee:
    1. has made a false statement in an application
    2. contravenes or fails to comply with any condition or restriction attached to this licence or any dependent licences.

Importing and exporting wildlife internationally

The international import and export of wildlife and wildlife products is regulated by the Australian Government under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

If you wish to import or export wildlife and wildlife products internationally, visit the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for information about wildlife import and export permits.

Contact us

Wildlife Team

Phone: 02 9585 6406

Email: [email protected]