Transport, import or export biological materials

If you work with biological material – or in areas where such work occurs – you must comply with all relevant legislation, standards, procedures and guidelines.

See the Biosafety Policy for details. 

Transporting biological material and animals 

The Transport of Biological Materials Procedure sets out requirements for moving materials considered biological hazards, including infectious substances, diagnostic specimens and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

If you are transporting GMOs

• Follow the guidelines from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator on GMO transport, storage and disposal.
• Check your approval memo and letter form the IBSC for transport requirements (i.e., authorised locations to move the GMOs).
• For licences (DNIR and DIR), the conditions of the licence overrule the guidelines of the Office of the Gene Technology. Regulator on GMO transport, storage and disposal.

If you are transporting biological materials within Australia 

• Comply with interstate quarantine rules.
• Comply with any movement restrictions imposed by the DPI. Refer to the Queensland biosecurity zones website for advice.
• For imported biological material, adhere to the conditions listed in the Import Permit or other biosecurity direction or approval issued by DAFF.

If you are transporting biological materials by air 

• Comply with IATA’s international dangerous goods regulations.
• For dangerous goods, use an IATA-approved courier where possible. If you transport frequently or in large volumes, consider completing dangerous goods transport or IATA packaging training. 

Importing and exporting biological material 

Check permit requirements

Before importing or exporting biological material, confirm if a permit is needed. Consult: 

• Working with Biosecurity Goods Procedure
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) information on biosecurity, importing and exporting
• UQ strengthened export controls, covering materials on the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL).

Apply for a permit 

• For import permits, contact your local BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions System) administrator or safety manager/WHSC to be registered on your organisational account. See the Working with Biosecurity Goods Procedure for details, including requirements for in vivo work.
• For export permits relating to goods on the Defence and Strategic Goods List, apply through the relevant process. 

Working with wild animals and plants

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 

CITES regulates international trade in wild animals and plants to ensure it does not threaten their survival. 

Before working with, importing or researching plants or animals, check whether they are CITES-listed: 

• review the full list of CITES species
• search for CITES species or documents.