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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Export
  4. Controlled export goods
  5. Exporting live animals
  6. Exporting livestock
  7. Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock

Sidebar first - Export

  • Livestock
    • Forms for exporting livestock
    • Review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock
    • Cattle and buffalo exports by sea
    • The regulatory framework
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    • Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock
      • ASEL updates and reviews
      • ASEL rejection criteria guidebooks
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    • Reforming live animal exports

Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock

You 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). The ASEL applies to cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, deer, and camelids.
ASEL is enforceable under the:

  • Export Control Act 2020
  • Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021.

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

Download ASEL

Downloads

Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock 3.2 (PDF 1.6 MB)
Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock 3.2 (DOCX 3.3 MB)

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

The current ASEL came into effect on 18 November 2021.

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

Downloads

Competent stock handlers on freighter aircraft - applying for alternative arrangements in accordance with ASEL (DOCX 444 KB)

AAVs and stockpersons on sea voyages – applying for alternative arrangements in accordance with ASEL (DOCX 452 KB)

Breeder cattle by sea – applying for a validity extension for pregnancy testing in accordance with ASEL (DOCX 447 KB)

Livestock by sea – applying to load foreign sourced fodder in accordance with ASEL (DOCX 453 KB)

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@awe.gov.au.

Download the guidebooks

Downloads

ASEL Rejection Criteria Guidebook for cattle and buffalo (PDF 5.6 MB)

ASEL Rejection Criteria Guidebook for sheep and goats (PDF 5.8 MB)

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

We have created calculators and policy guides to help you meet ASEL requirements.

Downloads

ASEL Air Crate Space Allocation Calculator (XLSX 30 KB)

Calculating onboard feed and water provisions under ASEL (DOCX 457 KB)

Voyage length calculations under ASEL (DOCX 452 KB)

Voyage reporting requirements under ASEL (DOCX 452 KB)

Water deprivation time for livestock exported by air to support compliance with ASEL (DOCX 448 KB)

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

Contact us

You can contact us at one of our live animal export offices.

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Last updated: 15 July 2022

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.