Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock updates

The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) outlines the minimum animal health and welfare conditions that exporters must meet when exporting livestock. The current version that exporters must comply with is ASEL 3.3, which commenced on 30 November 2023.

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders and reviewing the ASEL regularly. This ensures the standards remain fit for purpose and reflect the latest science and best practice.

Next ASEL review

We are currently undertaking a review to update ASEL to Version 4.0. This review considers a range matters identified by stakeholders as high priority matters and includes reviewing bedding levels, fodder requirements, pregnancy-related requirements and on-board veterinary medicines and equipment.

Public consultation on the first round of matters under consideration has commenced. Please visit Have Your Say for more details and to provide feedback.

Feedback on other ASEL matters can be provided at any time to ASELReview@aff.gov.au. Emerging matters will be recorded and considered in future ASEL updates.

2023 ASEL update

The 2023 ASEL update has been completed and ASEL 3.3 is now in force.

The 2023 ASEL update addressed matters raised by stakeholders relating to the export of livestock by sea and by air. It introduced changes to maintain or improve animal health and welfare outcomes, update definitions, and improve clarity and usability of the standards.

The 2023 ASEL update addressed matters including:

When an accredited veterinarian (AAV) or stockperson must accompany a voyage
Clarifying livestock identification requirements in laboratory test reports
The number of clear days livestock spend at Registered Establishments
The requirement for contingency plans for escaped livestock
The definition of near and far markets
Reserve feed requirements
Pregnancy testing and penning requirements for juvenile alpaca exported by air
Record-keeping requirements for Registered Establishments
Penning requirements for horned cattle and horned sheep
Livestock marking and isolation practices in Registered Establishments.

Stakeholder consultation

Public consultation on the 2023 ASEL update was held from 26 June to 4 August 2023.

We received 33 submissions, and all feedback was considered when finalising the updates for ASEL 3.3. Submissions, where permission to publish was provided, can be read on the Have Your Say page.

Summary of feedback

Download

Thematic summary of feedback received and the department’s response (PDF - 494 KB)
Thematic summary of feedback received and the department’s response (PDF - 163 KB)

Versions of ASEL and key updates

This document provides information on the changes introduced in ASEL 3.3.

ASEL 3.2 and 3.3 comparison tables (PDF - 282 KB)
ASEL 3.2 and 3.3 comparison tables (DOCX - 248 KB)

Key changes are summarised in the table below.

ASEL version	Key changes
3.3 November 2023	All the circumstances when an accredited veterinarian or stockperson must accompany a voyage Clearer instructions for identifying livestock in laboratory test reports Clarification for when an additional clear day is required for livestock in registered establishments A requirement for exporters to have a contingency plan for the humane recapture of escaped livestock The removal of the ineffective near and far market definitions Changes to reserve feed requirements for consignments less than 15 days More flexibility around penning requirements for juvenile alpaca exported by air Clarification of registered establishment’s record-keeping requirements More flexibility around penning requirements for horned sheep and horned cattle More flexibility around the marking and removal of rejected animals in registered establishments
3.2 November 2021	Clarified definitions, certification requirements, and segregation of animals More flexibility in pen space and record-keeping for sheep in registered establishments More flexibility in penning animals together Expanded use of approved blood tests in pregnancy diagnosis Addition of a notification requirement for loading of foreign fodder More flexibility in allocating air crate space.
3.1 March 2021	Text aligned with Export Control Act 2020 and Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021 Australian Government Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs) changed to accredited veterinarians Registered premises changed to registered establishments Operators (of a of registered establishment) changed to occupiers New definition of near and far markets.
3.0 November 2020	New definition of voyage length New general and species-specific requirements for Standards 1, 3, 5 & 6 Reduced the notifiable mortality rate Increased preparation time for some livestock at registered premises Updated management plans for sea and air exports.

See more

Contact us

GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
For ASEL questions or feedback email aselreview@aff.gov.au.