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.
Key changes are summarised in the table below.
ASEL version | Key changes |
---|---|
3.3 November 2023 |
|
3.2 November 2021 |
|
3.1 March 2021 |
|
3.0 November 2020 |
|
See more
- Export Control Act 2020
- Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021
- Live Animal Export Advisory Notices
- Animal Welfare
Contact us
GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
For ASEL questions or feedback email aselreview@aff.gov.au.