Exporting ornamental birds
How to export ornamental birds
Last updated 5 August 2026
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Exporters of ornamental birds are required to obtain an export licence and fulfil the destination country’s import requirements.
Below are steps that must be done before leaving Singapore:
1. Check the destination country’s import requirements.
Find out what the import requirements of the destination country are. Some countries mandate that a veterinary health certificate is a condition for entry, and that the animal must be quarantined before export.
Information on import requirements can be obtained from the website of the destination country’s relevant government authority.
2. At least six months before export, inform AVS of intended export.
Inform us of your intended export at least six months before export. This will ensure our officers can assist you to make arrangements for pre-export quarantine and certification preparations if these are required.
3. Ensure that the ornamental birds comply with CITES permit requirements.
If you are exporting or re-exporting ornamental birds of CITES species, please ensure to obtain:
A CITES export/re-export permit (opens in new tab) from NParks.
A CITES import permit from the importing country (opens in new tab).
You must obtain CITES permits prior to departure of the consignment from Singapore.
4. Apply for and obtain an export licence before export. An export licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Apply for and obtain an export licence to bring ornamental birds into Singapore via GoBusiness Licensing Portal (opens in new tab). The export licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Licence cost and validity
Type of licence | Cost and validity |
• S$50 for normal service. Licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Each licence allows you to import up to five ornamental birds. |
5. Obtain a veterinary health certificate.
This step only applies to you if the destination country mandates that a veterinary health certificate is a condition for entry.
You can obtain the certification requirements from the website of the destination country’s relevant authority.
Some countries require that the veterinary health certificate be issued by a licensed private veterinarian. You can obtain this certificate by bringing your pet to an AVS-licensed veterinarian for examination. The statements needed on the certificate, as well as the certificate’s validity period, will depend on the destination country’s import conditions.
Other countries require that the veterinary health certificate be issued or endorsed by a government veterinarian (i.e. from us). You can apply for and obtain an AVS-issued or endorsed veterinary health certificate via GoBusiness Licensing Portal (opens in new tab).
The following documents must be included in your application:
Template of the veterinary health certificate required by the destination country
Pre-export quarantine or isolation records certified by your licensed private veterinarian
Laboratory test results (depending on the importing country requirements)
AVS-issued export permit
CITES import and export permits
6. Make an appointment for pre-export inspection.
This step applies to you if the destination country mandates pre-export inspection.
Make an appointment for an ornamental bird inspection by submitting your request via the eservices - National Parks Board (NParks) (opens in new tab). Submit your request at least five days before your consignment is due to leave Singapore. Bringing your ornamental bird for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof.
The inspection will be conducted at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ) at least four hours before departure so there is sufficient time to transport your consignment to the cargo or passenger terminal. Inspections must be done during CAPQ operating hours.
7. Make arrangements with the ground handling agent.
This step applies if your pets are travelling as manifest cargo.
Contact the transporting airline(s) to make arrangements with the ground handling agent prior to your pet’s departure. There are two ground handling agents for this purpose:
SATS Gateway Pte Ltd
DNATA Singapore
Before you transport your pet to the ground handling agent on the day of departure, please ensure that it is accompanied by the following documents:
A copy of the AVS-issued export licence
The original veterinary health certificate that fulfils the import and/or entry requirements of the destination country
Any other additional supporting documents required by the destination country
Location of ground handling agents in Singapore
Location of SATS Gateway Pte Ltd | Location of DNATA Singapore |
SATS Terminal 5 | DNATA Outbound Terminal 50 Airport Boulevard, |