🚚 Shipping & Biosecurity

Australia has strict biosecurity rules around the movement of live aquatic animals between states. Both buyers and sellers are responsible for ensuring all permits are in place before shipping. oz.fish displays these warnings to help — but it is not legal advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant state authority before shipping.

oz.fish Platform Position

By listing live animals for sale, sellers confirm they have researched and will comply with all applicable biosecurity regulations for states they ship to, and that they hold or will obtain any required permits before shipping.

oz.fish is a classifieds platform. We connect buyers and sellers — we do not facilitate shipping and are not responsible for biosecurity compliance. Users who violate biosecurity laws may have their accounts suspended.

Prohibited Permit Required Assessment Required No known restrictions

State-by-State Rules

ACT Australian Capital Territory No known restrictions

NSW New South Wales

Assessment Required · Livestock only

New South Wales restricts the movement of noxious species and aquatic pests. Verify the species is not listed as noxious before shipping.

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NT Northern Territory

Permit Required · Livestock only

The Northern Territory requires permits for ALL imports of live aquatic animals. Many common aquarium species including certain shrimp and snails are not permitted. Do not ship without prior written approval from NT DEPWS.

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QLD Queensland

Assessment Required · Livestock only

Queensland uses a permitted list system for non-indigenous freshwater species. Only species on the approved list may be imported. Both buyer and seller should verify the species is permitted before shipping.

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SA South Australia

Assessment Required · Livestock only

South Australia assesses species as high or low risk for import. Check the noxious species list and obtain any required approvals before shipping live aquatic animals.

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TAS Tasmania

Permit Required · Livestock only

Tasmania requires permits for many live aquatic species to protect local aquaculture and native species. Check the permitted species list with the Inland Fisheries Service before shipping or accepting any shipment.

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VIC Victoria No known restrictions

WA Western Australia

Permit Required · Livestock only

Western Australia has strict biosecurity laws for live aquatic animals. Most species require import permits under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. Sellers must not ship without written approval. Buyers require a valid import permit. Penalties apply to both parties.

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General Advice for Sellers

Contact the destination state's biosecurity authority before shipping to WA, TAS, NT or QLD.
Keep copies of any permits or approvals in case of inspection.
Use express/overnight courier for live fish — minimise transit time.
Package live fish with appropriate insulation, oxygen, and water quality for the transit duration.
Declare live animals accurately on courier manifests.
Never ship species that are noxious pests — this is illegal regardless of state.

General Advice for Buyers

Obtain any required import permits before agreeing to a purchase.
Verify that the species you're buying is permitted in your state.
For WA and TAS especially — do not ask sellers to ship without a valid permit in hand.
Be present to receive live fish deliveries promptly.

This information is maintained by oz.fish and updated when regulations change. It is provided in good faith but may not reflect the most current legislation. Always verify with the relevant state authority. Last reviewed by oz.fish admin.