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Notice to Industry 2: Personnel biosecurity requirements – imported horses
Last updated 28 October 2025
Importing horses
Horses that meet Australia's strict import conditions can be imported into Australia from approved countries provided:
- they have a valid import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department); and
- all required import conditions on the permit have been met.
What you need know
To import horses into Australia you need to know about:
Approved chemicals for ornamental fish
Ornamental fish imported to Australia undergo a mandatory post-arrival quarantine period. The fish are isolated at a registered Class 7.1 Approved Arrangement (AA) site. This applies to both freshwater and marine ornamental fish.
Only approved chemicals, treatments, and antibiotics can be used on imported ornamental fish during quarantine.
Importers and AA Site Operators must comply with all state and territory regulations.
Importing live fish to Australia
Live fish may only be imported for the aquarium industry trade. Live fish for human consumption, pet food, aquaculture or as household pets are not permitted imports to Australia.
Conditions for importing live ornamental fish
You need an import permit to import live ornamental fish to Australia. Only permitted species may be imported from approved countries.
Notice of Intent to import fertile eggs
Publication details
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - February 2026
You are required to email the completed form to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry no later than one week prior to the fertile eggs’ arrival.
Reforming live animal exports
As the regulator, we are committed to continuous improvement. We have several live animal export reform activities in progress. These are designed to: