Tasmania is free from many animal-related pests and diseases present on mainland Australia and overseas due to our natural sea barrier. To help keep these pests and diseases out, we have very strict requirements on the importation of animals and animal products.
We all have a general biosecurity duty to protect our primary industries, environment and way of life from harmful pests, weeds and diseases. You can help by disposing of, or declaring restricted items when you arrive in Tasmania.
Birds (domestic)
Examples: Peafowl, fowl (chicken), goose, Chinese goose, pigeon, turkey, helmeted guineafowl, Japanese quail, mallard duck, mandarin duck, Muscovy duck, ostrich, budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, canary, zebra finch.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Due to ongoing outbreaks of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Victoria and NSW, all birds entering Tasmania must be declared to Biosecurity Tasmania. Birds from Control Areas or Restricted Areas must not be moved to Tasmania.
Allowed if: Classified as 'Domestic Stock' in the Animal Biosecurity Manual, and both common and scientific names appear on the bird's transfer cage.
Not permitted entry: Fruit, bird seed or plant materials as feed or bedding.
Extra tip: There are different requirements for all other birds that are not listed above, please contact Wildlife Services at Wildlife.Services@nre.tas.gov.au
Declare the item? Yes
Inspection required? Yes
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania.
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact animaldisease.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Dogs
Permitted:
Domestic dog - must have proof of treatment with Praziquantel at a dose rate of 5mg/kg of body weight within 14 days before entry. This can be a statement or certificate from a Vet, or Statutory Declaration by the owner, or empty pill packet and proof of purchase with the date of treatment written on package.
Greyhound racing within 6 Days - must have documentation from the Office of Racing Integrity.
Tasmanian dog returning within 14 Days - must have evidence that the dog has been out of Tasmania for no more than 14 days. This can be travel tickets (ship or airline) that clearly describe the dog or statutory declaration by owner.
All dogs including assistance dogs: Have been checked within the last 24 hours and found free from brown dog tick and is apparently healthy.
Not permitted entry: Dingoes, foxes, and wolves are prohibited.
Extra tip: All dogs must be microchipped from the age of 6 months unless they are a racing greyhound, hunting dog, working dog or have been seen by a vet and it is considered to be unsafe for the dog’s health or welfare.
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb).
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact AnimalDisease.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Cats
Examples: Domestic cats
Allowed: There are no restrictions on importing cats into Tasmania. Please ensure your cat is in good health to travel and its vaccinations are up to date.
Extra tip: Under the Cat Management Act 2009, domestic cats over the age of four months must be desexed and microchipped, and a multiple cat permit is required to own more than four cats.
Declare the item? No
Inspection required? No
More information on cat ownership:
Please see Responsible Cat Ownership in Tasmania.
Pets (other than dogs, cats or domestic birds)
Allowed: Emus, guinea pigs, ostriches, rabbits
IMPORTANT NOTE - Due to ongoing outbreaks of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Victoria and NSW, all birds entering Tasmania must be declared to Biosecurity Tasmania. Birds from Control Areas or Restricted Areas must not be moved to Tasmania.
Travel restrictions: No seed, fresh fruit or grains can be used as bedding or feed and brought into Tasmania.
Shredded newspaper is recommended as bedding – no plant material.
Extra tip: Emus are subject to a Wildlife Import Permit. Please contact Wildlife.Services@nre.tas.gov.au to enquire about lodging an Application for a Wildlife Permit.
Declare the item? Yes
Inspection required? Yes
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb).
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact animaldisease.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Invertebrates (dead or alive)
Dead
Examples: Beetles, bugs, butterflies, moths and spiders.
Allowed if: They are transported in a soil free medium.
Alive
Examples: Beetles, bugs, butterflies, moths, spiders, aphids, worms and other invertebrates.
Allowed if: They are transported in a soil free medium and are on the list available in Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb).
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb).
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact animaldisease.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Bees
Due to the ongoing response to Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in NSW, the Tasmanian Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place a General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) to prevent the introduction of this honeybee parasite into Tasmania:
More information:
Please contact Senior Biosecurity Officer (Apiary Biosecurity) Julie Lupia
Mobile: 0467 805 968
Email: Julie.Lupia@nre.tas.gov.au
Animal carcass/parts/products
Examples: Carcases or parts of carcases from farm animals, poultry, birds, and game species killed in Australia, including tanned and untanned hides / skins, and raw carcases (excluding farmed fish and raw/untanned foxes).
Allowed if:
- Upon arrival in Tasmania the animal matter must be free from contamination with soil, weed seeds, extraneous plant material, and insect infestation, AND
- There must be a clear description of the contents (common and scientific names) on the outside of the packaging, AND
- Contact details of both supplier and importer, AND
- Purpose of importation must be stated, AND
- It must be accompanied by a copy of any Government approvals issued for the removal of the animal/s from their place of origin and/or for their importation into Tasmania (if relevant).
- Check with your freight / courier company for requirements that may apply to the type of packaging required to transport untreated / raw (e.g., frozen) animal carcases.
Extra tip: Dead animals, birds and game species (including foxes) that have been taxidermized are allowed unrestricted entry into Tasmania from other Australian States and Territories (excluding farmed fish).
Declare the item? Yes
Inspection required? On request
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb).
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact AnimalDisease.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Fish and seafood (not for consumption)
Examples: Aquarium fish
Allowed if: The container is clearly labelled identifying the consignment as live fish or as a fish product, and includes both the common and scientific names of those species present.
Where a permit or declaration is required, a copy of that document should also be attached to the outside of the container.
The fish were bred in Australia or imported into Australia according to the requirements of the Australian Government (DAFF).
No fish in this consignment are listed as prohibited fish by the Chief Veterinary Officer (Tasmania), or as Controlled Fish under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995, or as Noxious Fish under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995.
Any fish on the Restricted Fish List found in the Animal Biosecurity Manual (PDF 1Mb). This includes salmon, trout, eel, hake, cod, perch, mullet, flounder, bream, flathead, herring, sea bass, grouper, sardines may be imported if it meets the requirements listed in the Animal Biosecurity Manual Section 3.3.14
Declare the item: Yes
Inspection required: Yes
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb).
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact AnimalDisease.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Livestock/farm animals
Equidae – Horse, Donkeys, Mules, Ponies and Zebras: For the requirements to import Horses, Donkeys, Mules, Ponies and Zebras, please see section 1.1.2 of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.
Goats: For the requirements to import Goats, please see section 3.1.12 of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.
Sheep: For the requirements to import Sheep, please see section 3.1.22 of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.
Also, refer to Buying & Selling Sheep and Goats for movement requirements.
Cattle: For the requirements to import Cattle, please see section 3.1. of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.
Also see: About Livestock Identification for movement requirements.
Pigs: For the requirements to import Pigs, please see section 3.1.18 of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.
Also see PigPass for movement requirements.
Declare the item? Yes
Inspection? Yes
More information on conditions and restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania
More information and import enquiries:
Please contact animaldisease.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Wildlife animals
Examples: Invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals such as koalas, mice and rats.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Due to ongoing outbreaks of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Victoria and NSW, all birds entering Tasmania must be declared to Biosecurity Tasmania. Birds from Control Areas or Restricted Areas must not be moved to Tasmania.
Allowed if: Exhibiting or a permit acquired Wildlife Import Application Form (PDF).
Declared the item? Yes
Inspection required? Yes
More information on restrictions:
Please see Animal Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PDF 1Mb) and Requirements for importing and keeping wildlife in Tasmania (PDF)
More information and import enquiries: