Individuals, partnerships and companies exporting edible meat, offal (including casings) or meat products of cattle, sheep or goats must be licensed under the Export Control Act 2020.
A licence to export meat issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry grants an exporter permission to conduct a specific export transaction. It is the responsibility of each exporter to determine the end use of the product being exported and whether a meat export licence is required.
How to obtain a licence
You must be accredited by AUS-MEAT (or close to achieving accreditation) before you can apply for a licence to export meat or meat products.
Complete the meat export licence application form (EX31).
Email your completed form and supporting documents to:
exportmeatlicensing@aff.gov.au
Or send your documents via post to the following address:
Export Meat Licensing
Meat Exports Branch
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601
Cost
The annual meat export licence charge is $339.
This charge does not apply where the applicant is the occupier of a registered establishment.
See the department’s Charging guidelines for details on which charges may apply to you.
Assessment process
We will assess your application for competency across three areas: technical ability as a packer or non-packer, financial standing and integrity.
Technical competency
A copy of your current AUS-MEAT Certificate of Accreditation is acceptable proof.
Financial standing
For a corporate identity, provide your Australian Company Number (ACN) as requested on the application form.
For a partnership, attach a copy of the partnership agreement.
Integrity competency
The applicant and all nominated persons listed on the application will be assessed by the department under the provisions of the Export Control Act 2020.
Further information
You can register to use our Export Documentation System (EXDOC) for electronic documents and certificates.
For queries about meat export licensing requirements, contact:
Email: Export Meat Licensing