It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

This information applies to captive birds (other than pet birds or racing pigeons)​ classified as imports (also known as commercial movements). 'Captive bird' is defined as any birds other than poultry that are kept in captivity for any reason other than those referred to below, including those that are kept for shows, races, exhibitions, competitions, breeding or selling. 'Captive bird' does not include birds that are reared or kept in captivity for:

1. ​​The production of:
   
1. meat;
2. eggs for consumption;
3. other products;
2. Restocking supplies of game birds;
3. The purpose of breeding of birds used for the types of production referred to in points (a) and (b).

Information about the process required to import captive birds into member countries of the European Union (EU) from Australia can be found by referring to the EU website.

There are national rules that may apply to the movement of animals into individual EU member countries and you should check these.

The import and transit of animals into the EU is strictly regulated under EU legislation and enforced by the Department through Departmental officers in the regional office from where the animals are to be exported.

It is the responsibility of the exporter to use the appropriate EU health certificate and ensure that this and any accompanying declarations are in English and the appropriate language of the EU member state of the border inspection post (BIP) / border control post (BCP) where the animals will enter the EU.

Refer to these and the Department's websites for current information about exporting animals (including any suspensions).​

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

It is the responsibility of the exporter to use the appropriate EU health certificate and ensure that this and any accompanying declarations are in English and the appropriate language of the EU member country of the border inspection post (BIP) where the animals will enter the EU.

There is a certificate that may be used for the movement of captive birds other than racing pigeons to the EU, including when the Union is not the final destination of those animals.

Certificate for movement of captive birds to the EU:​

• ​​Model animal health certificate – English – Captive Birds (Model ‘Captive Birds other than racing pigeons’) (PDF | 45 ​KB)​
  

Australian Departmental officers will only endorse health certification for animals destined to the EU if it is written in English and, where required, an official language of the EU member country of the BIP where the animals will enter the EU.

Australian Departmental officers will not endorse health certification for animals destined to the EU if only presented in a language other than English.​

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

Pre and post arrival quarantine requirements

Captive birds entering the EU from Australia must originate from premises that are approved by the Department and listed on the EU platform TRACES NT. The requirements of the isolation premises are outlined in Chapter 2 Articles 53-57 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692.

Contact the Department for more information.

Permission to move birds out of Australia

You may need permission under wildlife trade laws to move birds out of Australia. Refer to the Dep​artment's International wildlife trade requirements. There is specific guidance for non-commercial wildlife trade for public exhibition, scientific research, conservation breeding and personal use.​

Email

wildlifetrade@dcceew.gov.au

Not all live animals are permitted to be imported into Australia. You should make yourself familiar with the Department's requirements for importing live animals. This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia.​

Based on importing country requirements sourced from the European Commission website.

Entry last reviewed 19 May 2023.