You can apply for an exemption from one or more provisions of the legislation in relation to relevant goods.
This includes the ability to apply for an exemption from an approved arrangement to export livestock.
Our exemptions policy
Our live animal export exemptions policy includes information on:
- available exemptions
- who may apply
- how to apply
Download
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Exemptions for small and infrequent exporters
Some exporters only export small numbers of animals or consignments per year. In these cases, we may consider an approved arrangement unnecessary. An exemption for a small and infrequent exporter may be an option.
To be eligible for this exemption, there is a limit on how many livestock and consignments you can export. You must export no more than 400 livestock in no more than 4 consignments during a calendar year.
We grant exemptions for 12 months only. After this, you must reapply.
Check your export licence
You must have or have applied for an export licence before you can apply for an exemption.
If you are applying for an export licence
You must develop and submit an operations and governance manual. Information on developing this manual can be found in the guideline.
If you already have an export licence
You can submit the exemption on its own. As part of approving the exemption, we need to revoke your AA.
Download the guidelines
Guidelines for an operations and governance manual (PDF 268 KB)
Guidelines for an operations and governance manual( DOCX 234 KB)
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Complete the application form
Complete the small and infrequent exemption form.
Submit your application
Email your application form and a copy of your operations and governance manual to livestockexp@aff.gov.au.
We charge a fee to assess your application. See our charging guidelines.
Assessment and outcome
We will contact you if we require further information for your application.
We will notify you in writing of the application outcome.
Check your approvals
Once approved, you can begin the process of exporting under your exemption.
Ensure you have all the required approvals in place to export livestock.
The export process
You must submit extra documentation with your notice of intention to export.
You must include a consignment risk management plan that sets out how you will meet:
- importing country requirements
- ASEL requirements, including managements plans for exporting certain types of livestock.
See the approved arrangement guidelines appendices for guidance on management plans.
Export your livestock
You can now export your livestock consignment under your exemption.
You must reapply each year for your exemption. The process is the same. There is an application fee. See our charging guidelines.
Operate under your manual
If we approve you to hold a small and infrequent exemption you must operate under your operations and governance manual.
Annual fee
We charge an annual fee for exporting livestock under a small and infrequent exemption. This is separate to the application fee.
Details on fees and charges can be found in our charging guidelines.