Biosecurity
State movement rules for hay and fodder
Know the rules before you move fodder around Australia.
Moving hay, straw or silage across borders? Each state has its own rules to protect against pests and weeds. Here’s what you need to check before you load up.
This page pulls together the latest requirements for interstate fodder movement in Australia, including permits, certificates, and biosecurity conditions — all in one place.
What to check before transporting fodder
- Your source location (where it’s grown/packed)
- Whether you’re moving commercial or donated product
- If you’re entering a restricted zone
- What pests or diseases your product could carry (e.g. fire ants, weeds)
- What paperwork is needed (e.g. Plant Health Certificate, vendor declarations)
State-by-state requirements
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW enforces a General Biosecurity Duty, meaning both buyers and sellers must take steps to reduce biosecurity risks.
- Vendor declarations or proof of purchase must travel with the feed
- Lupin fodder from WA and SA is banned due to lupin anthracnose
- Controls also apply for parthenium, branched broomrape, and green snail
- There’s a strong focus on sourcing pest-free feed, especially regarding fire ants.
Head here for more info 👉 Entry requirements | NSW Biosecurity
Contact: Border Compliance Operations on 1800 680 244 or Local Land Services.
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT has strict entry rules for hay, fodder and similar materials.
- An import permit is required for hay, fodder, compost and soil
- Products must be from a pest-free area or have proof of treatment
- You must submit a vendor declaration and notify NT Biosecurity within 5 days of delivery
Head here for more info 👉 Plant import permits | NT.GOV.AU
Contact: Plant Biosecurity on (08) 8999 2118 or [email protected]
Queensland (QLD)
With declared pest zones in place, strict rules apply to moving fodder into, out of or within parts of QLD.
- Biosecurity movement permits are required for entering or leaving fire ant or electric ant zones
- Applies to hay, silage, and equipment that could carry pests
- Fodder from infested areas must be clean, dry and tested before transport
- Contact a Biosecurity Queensland inspector at least 48 hours out from transport to issue certification
- Declared Pest Zones change frequently, so check current maps and permit conditions before moving feed
Head here for more info 👉 Restrictions on moving plant material, soil and related equipment within Queensland; Queensland Biosecurity Manual
Contact: Contact us | Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
South Australia (SA)
New 2025 rules make it mandatory for commercial hay importers to follow tighter controls.
- Under the Plant Health Act 2009, importers must register with Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA)
- A pre-arrival manifest must be sent before hay enters SA
- A Plant Health Certificate (PHC) and a General Biosecurity Declaration is required
- These rules apply to donated fodder as well, not just commercial loads
- If paperwork isn’t submitted in time, the load may be refused
Head here for more info 👉 Bringing hay into South Australia; Plant import and export forms and fees – PIRSA
Contact: PIRSA on (08) 8207 7814 or [email protected]
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania has a near-total ban on untreated hay and fodder to stop the spread of weeds.
- Importing hay and fodder is prohibited, unless they meet tight exemptions
- Pelletised feed is generally accepted, but only with a Notice of Intention (NOI) submitted beforehand
- A statutory declaration is required for any kind of approved feed
- Non-compliant feed will be destroyed at the border at the importer’s cost
Head here for more info 👉 Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual; Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania; Plant Biosecurity | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Contact: Biosecurity Enquiries on 1300 368 550 or [email protected]
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria has strict entry conditions, particularly for hay coming in from fire ant zones.
- Movements must follow the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 and the Victorian Plant Quarantine Manual (PQM)
- Red imported fire ant protocols apply — hay may need fumigation or hammer milling before entry
- A Plant Health Certificate (PHC) is required in most cases
- Always check the PQM for up-to-date conditions before you move feed into VIC
Head here for more info👉 Hay | Plant Quarantine Manual | Moving plants and plant products | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria; Importing fodder and livestock feed into Victoria | Farming in dry conditions | Dry seasons and drought support
Western Australia (WA)
WA has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in Australia. Border checks operate 24/7, and hay must meet tough contamination standards.
- Fodder must be free from soil, pests, and weed seeds
- A Plant Health Certificate (PHC) issued by the exporting state, or quality assurance certificate, is required
- Quarantine WA must be contacted prior to moving any plant or animal materials
- Products may need to be inspected and certified before entry
- Extra controls apply to hay from areas known for fire ants or green snail
- If conditions aren’t met, fodder can be rejected or destroyed at the border
Head here for more info 👉 Intrastate movement | Agriculture and Food; Quarantine – organisms and potential carriers | Agriculture and Food
Contact: Quarantine WA on (08) 9368 3333 or [email protected]
Final checks before you move fodder
Before moving any fodder, check directly with the receiving state’s biosecurity agency. Laws can change quickly, especially following new pest detections.
- Call the receiving state’s biosecurity hotline (or check their official website or manual) to ensure you understand the process
- Keep records of where the feed came from
- Know the pest status of the origin paddock
- Don’t risk it — if unsure, ask first