All imports of live laboratory animals require an import permit. Applications are assessed case-by case. In some instances, import permit applications may need to be referred to external agencies or other government departments for additional expert advice.
All species imported for laboratory research must be on the List of Specimens Suitable for Live Import. This list is maintained by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Importers must also check whether a DCCEEW import permit will be required.
Detailed import requirements for laboratory animals are listed in the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system. Applications for import permits are also submitted through BICON.
For further information about importing invertebrate species, refer to the invertebrate animals page.
Approved arrangement site
Applicants must hold or have access to an Approved Arrangement (AA) site for the species they intend to import. The AA site must meet the criteria for the required class of Approved Arrangement.
See the Approved Arrangements website for more information.,
You can also contact the Approved Arrangements Section Audit Services for more details.
Contact us
For further information, please call 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au
If you hold an import permit for laboratory animals, and require further information, please refer to the contact details in your import permit for the department offices in your local region.
For enquiries about the clearance of laboratory animals, please refer to the regional office contact details listed in your import permit.