About export licences in the Export Service
How to submit and manage meat export licence applications online.
Meat exporters must have a licence to export from Australia. You can apply online in the Export Service, opens in a new tab for a new export licence. You can also apply to renew, vary or cancel an existing licence.
You no longer need to submit a PDF form by email, but you can if you prefer. To request the PDF form, email exportmeatlicensing@aff.gov.au.
Note: Only exporters who export meat and meat products from cattle, sheep or goats are required to have a meat export licence. If you only export other meat and meat products such as poultry, you don't need an export licence.
Before you apply online
If you haven't already, you must get set up in the Export Service.
Get set up in the Export Service
Who can submit an application online
Depending on your role, you can submit or only draft an application. For more information, go to Export licence roles and permissions.
Documents you will need
You will need to upload relevant documents when you submit an export licence application. Some of the documents you need will depend on your commodity.
For more information, go to Documents needed for an export licence application.
Fees and timelines
For a meat export licence, we charge an application fee for a new non-packer licence application and at each annual renewal of a non-packer export licence application.
A fee is not charged for a new packer licence application or for an annual renewal packer licence application. You can find current licence fees in our Fees and charges, opens in a new tab.
You can apply to renew your licence from 180 days before its expiry date. You must submit your application at least 120 days before it expires. This means you have 60 days to apply. It can take up to 120 days to process applications.
For more information, go to Export licence application fees and timeframes.
Outstanding debt
Before you submit your application, please check that you don’t have any overdue export-related debt with us. Relevant debt means money owed that relates to export legislation.
Outstanding or overdue debt may result in processing delays or your application being refused. For debt enquiries, email ARHelpdesk@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 647 531.
You do not have to use the Export Service
Using the Export Service provides a simpler, faster way to apply for, renew, vary or cancel meat export licences. It is not mandatory though.
You have the option to use the Export Service or follow the existing process to submit a PDF application form. To request the PDF form, email exportmeatlicensing@aff.gov.au.