Wildlife trafficking is often associated with tigers , lizards or exotic birds. But some of Australia's most overlooked creatures are being illegally exported in the mail.
There's been a growing interest in keeping Australian ants and giant cockroaches as unusual pets or for use in insect farms.
Under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), exporting native wildlife without a permit is illegal. Offenders can face penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $330,000, or both.
Illegally exporting native wildlife undermines Australia's commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It risks damaging our international standards for biodiversity protection.
However, it is possible to export insects legally. Here's what you should know about the trade and how to get a permit.
Legal export is possible - and straightforward
We issue export permits for approved species and make sure the animals are treated humanely and sustainably.
To legally export insects:
- Check the species
- Identify if the insect is native to Australia or listed under CITES.
- Native insects and those listed in CITES need a permit for export.
- Apply for a permit
- Lodge your application through our wildlife trade portal.
- Processing time can take up to 40 business days.
- Meet export conditions
- Package the insect appropriately.
- Provide all required documentation.
- Comply with welfare standards.
- Declare the export
- Notify Australian Border Force.
- All wildlife exports must be declared for customs clearance.
Legal exports protect animal welfare, support ethical supply chains, and reduce the demand for black market trade.
A recent case: 27 postal seizures in NSW
Since April 2025, 27 illegal mail shipments were intercepted.
Combined, these packages included more than 500 native ants and 9 giant burrowing cockroaches. They were concealed in plush toys, plastic bricks, pillows, test tubes, Tic Tac boxes and an air fryer.
The destinations? Hong Kong, Canada and France.
These detections are part of ongoing investigations led by our Environmental Crime team, in collaboration with the Australian Border Force and Australia Post.
Inside illegal insect trade in Australia
Criminal networks often recruit students through social media or e-commerce sites like the Little Red Book. Posts offer 'easy cash for one-off errands' to lure unsuspecting couriers into wildlife crime.
The so-called 'errand' often involves digging up or buying the insects. Couriers are often coached to falsely declare package contents and ways to try to avoid detection.
What you can do
- If you're thinking of exporting insects, get a permit - it's simple, legal, and ensures animal welfare.
- Delete and don't respond to suspicious job ads offering quick errands - these could be trafficking recruitment schemes.
- Report suspicious activity. You can make a confidential report by calling 1800 110 395 or visiting our Report Environmental Incident page.
