Basic information
Outline of the system
The importation of cat and dog fur and goods made from or using cat or dog fur is prohibited under provisions of the Customs Act 1901 (Customs Act) and the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations) unless the permission of the Minister for Home Affairs, or an authorised person, has been obtained.
Product coverage
The goods covered by this control include raw, tanned or processed furs or pelts, and goods that may contain such fur, that are derived from the cat and dog species listed below. These species are more commonly referred to as domestic cat and dog breeds.
• Cat fur - the pelt or hair of an animal of the species Felis catus;
• Dog fur - the pelt or hair of an animal of the species Canis familiaris;
• Cat or dog fur product - a product or other thing that consists, wholly or partly, of cat or dog fur.
The relevant Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System tariff numbers include various lines, but are not limited to; 4103.90, 4301.80, 4301.90, 4302.19, 4302.20, 4302.30, 4303.10 and 4303.90.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The PI Regulations are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The importation of cat and dog fur products is regulated in response to animal welfare concerns.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to importations from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The control on the specified goods is a statutory requirement under Regulation 4W of the PI Regulations made under the Customs Act.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Applications must be made in writing to the Minister for Home Affairs or an authorised person. The application should include the following information: importer's name and address; and details of the goods to be imported.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application should be made in advance of arrival of the goods.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Import permission can be considered for goods which have inadvertently arrived in Australia.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Permissions are granted by the Minister for Home Affairs or an authorised person.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Importers may also need to approach the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for permission to import cat or dog fur or products thereof.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Conditions may be imposed on the permit. Quantitative limits, where appropriate, are specified as conditions.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licenses.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Apart from statutory or ordinary requirements there are no other criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons for refusal are given to applicants.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Applicants refused permission to import may appeal on the merits of the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Alternatively, an appeal may be made on the decision-making process itself under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The original permission from the Minister for Home Affairs or authorised person is required to be produced upon importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The Minister for Home Affairs may specify a time period for the validity of the permission.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a license or a portion of a license.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Permits/licences are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.