Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock

Exporters must meet our minimum animal health and welfare conditions to export livestock. These are outlined in the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL). ASEL applies to cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, deer, and camelids (including alpaca).

We enforce ASEL under our regulatory framework.

We regularly review ASEL requirements. Find out more about ASEL updates and reviews.

We are currently undertaking the ASEL 4.0 review. Public consultation on the first round of matters under consideration has commenced. Please visit Have Your Say for more details and to provide feedback.

Download ASEL

Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock 3.3 (PDF 1.6 MB)
Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock 3.3 (DOCX 3.1 MB)

If you require a fully accessible version of these files, please email ASELReview@aff.gov.au.

The current ASEL (version 3.3) came into effect on 30 November 2023. ASEL 3.3 introduced changes to maintain or improve animal health and welfare outcomes, update definitions, and improve clarity and usability of the standards.

In some cases, you can apply for approval of alternate export arrangements under ASEL. These approvals apply to a specific consignment only. Apply when you submit a notice of intention to export livestock.

Download policies

AAVs and stockpersons on sea voyages – applying for alternative arrangements (PDF 189 KB)
AAVs and stockpersons on sea voyages – applying for alternative arrangements (DOCX 240 KB)

Breeder cattle by sea – applying for a validity extension for pregnancy testing (PDF 195 KB)
Breeder cattle by sea – applying for a validity extension for pregnancy testing (DOCX 236 KB)

Contingency plans for livestock consignments to the Middle East (PDF 195 KB)
Contingency plans for livestock consignments to the Middle East (DOCX 236 KB)

Livestock by sea – applying to load foreign sourced fodder (DOCX 453 KB)

Penning of immature bulls and steers under ASEL (DOCX 235KB)

If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.

The ASEL rejection criteria are conditions and criteria that make animals ineligible for export. We have developed guidance material to promote their understanding and consistent application.

The guidebooks aim to:

outline the rejection criteria and provide clarification and technical information to promote consistent application
improve welfare outcomes through better management before loading
provide guidance on livestock that are unsuitable for export or to enter the export supply chain.

Read the relevant guidebook in conjunction with the ASEL. Note that that importing country requirements may also apply.

We encourage feedback, photos and videos to improve the guidebooks. You can email us your questions, feedback and media to aselreview@aff.gov.au.