How is the legislation enforced?
The import of live animals — including exotic birds — into Australia is controlled by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, and the Quarantine Act 1908, administered by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. The Australian Customs Service and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts enforce exotic birdkeeping legislation at the border into Australia and, if necessary, by investigating illegal activities within Australia. Illegal live import and holding of birds or eggs without reasonable excuse is punishable by fines and/or prison sentences. Further information The Department’s Exotic Animal Guide provides further information about the regulation of exotic animals in Australia and is available from the Department’s website at: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/exoticanimalguide/ Keep Informed: Information on improvements to exotic b
