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). ASEL applies to cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, deer, and camelids.

We enforce ASEL under our regulatory framework.

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 1.80 MB)
Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock 3.2 (DOCX 3.32 MB)

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

The current ASEL came into effect on 18 November 2021. Minor amendments to ASEL 3.2 were made on 23 November 2022 to provide for the use of management plans for standards 3.7.2 and 3.7.3.

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)

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@awe.gov.au.