Import and export permits for Victorian wildlife

Transporting wildlife in or out of Victoria may require a permit. Restrictions may also apply.

Apply for an import and export permit

To import or export wildlife you must have a permit.

You can now apply for a permit (or complete your notification of outcome for a permit) online.

Apply or Notify now

Alternatively, you can download and complete the offline application form:

Import-Export Application - March 2022
Word 90.84 KB
(opens in a new window)

Submit your completed application by email: wildlifelicensing@delwp.vic.gov.au.

Allow 3 to 5 business days to process your application.

Import and export restrictions

To transport wildlife into Victoria (import) or out of Victoria (export), wildlife must be self-sufficient. This means the wildlife:

  • must not be an egg
  • must not be injured or diseased
  • must be able to feed itself
  • (if a flighted bird) must be able to fly
  • (if a flightless bird) must be at least 4 weeks old
  • (if a mammal) must be fully weaned.

If wildlife is not self-sufficient, you need to contact us for specific approval by email: wildlifelicensing@delwp.vic.gov.au

We will advise you if the import or export permit can be issued.

Wildlife being transported into Victoria can only be approved if the person receiving the wildlife has a valid wildlife licence, authorisation or permit.

When is a permit not required?

An import permit or export permit is not required to transport:

  • emu egg-shells (empty shells only)
  • cast or shed wildlife feathers, sloughed skins of reptiles or cast antlers of deer
  • wildlife listed in Part A of Schedule 4 or parts of wildlife listed in Part B of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Regulations 2013
  • specified birds in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act 1975
  • dead game that has been obtained in a legal manner from a legal source (e.g. with an appropriate game licence under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012).

Permits are not required for the following wildlife

Australian wildlife laws

Different wildlife laws apply in different states or territories within Australia, so you should always check with the responsible agency in the relevant state.

An export permit is required if you intend to transport wildlife out of Victoria to any other state or territory within Australia.

An import permit is required if you intend to transport wildlife into Victoria from any other state or territory within Australia.

Contact the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for further information.

Importing and exporting wildlife from Australia

Import and export permits may be required for the transport of wildlife and wildlife products into and out of Australia.

For more information, contact the Commonwealth Department of Environment:

Visit: Wildlife Trade Regulation page
Phone: (02) 6274 1900
Email: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au

Updated