Importing ornamental birds
How to import ornamental birds
Last updated 16 November 2025
Ornamental birds are birds intended for all other purposes besides consumption. These include pet birds, and birds for breeding. Examples of ornamental birds are guinea fowls, partridges, parrots, parakeets, budgerigars, cockatoos, doves, peafowls, swans, and finches.
You must fulfil our requirements in order to import, export, or transship ornamental birds.
Additional permits are required for import, export, or re-export of endangered ornamental birds listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Examples of endangered ornamental birds include macaws, cockatoos, and all except four species of parrots*.
Certain parrots under CITES Appendix I are listed as highly endangered species. The endangered parrot species listed here are not eligible for commercial import, export, or re-export unless the bird has been bred in captivity in operations or farms that are either registered with CITES or used for non-commercial purposes.
For more information on the endangered animal species listed under CITES, please see the CITES Appendices.
*The four non-CITES listed parrot species are the peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), and ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri).
Below is an overview of the steps to follow if you want to import ornamental birds.
1. Check the avian influenza (bird flu) status of the exporting country.
Importing birds from countries/regions/zones affected by Avian Influenza (AI) are prohibited. Check a country's AI status and refer to the World Animal Health Information Database website for the list of countries/regions/zones where the export of ornamental birds is currently prohibited.
All consignments of ornamental birds originating from non-AI affected countries/regions/zones can only be imported using direct flight or transit in non-AI affected countries.
2. Ensure that the ornamental birds fulfill our veterinary conditions for import.
Your consignment of ornamental birds must fulfill our veterinary conditions for import of birds.
3. Apply for CITES import permit requirements.
If you are importing birds of CITES species, please ensure to obtain:
A CITES export/re-export permit obtained from the exporting/re-exporting country; and
You must obtain all CITES permits prior to arrival of the consignment in Singapore.
4. At least 90 days before arrival, apply for import licence and customs clearance permit.
AVS-issued import licence
Apply for and obtain an import licence to bring ornamental birds into Singapore via GoBusiness Licensing Portal. The import licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Licence cost and validity
Type of licence | Cost and validity |
Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs, and Biologics (personal) | • 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. |
Customs clearance permit
Each incoming consignment must be accompanied by a cargo clearance permit for clearance at the port of entry. You can obtain this permit by applying for it via TradeNet.
You will need to provide the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) codes and product codes in your application. The list of product codes required in your application can be found here.
5. Within 7 days of import, obtain a veterinary health certificate.
Each consignment of ornamental birds must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate signed by a government veterinary authority or a registered veterinarian from the exporting country.
6. At least 5 days before arrival, book an appointment for border control inspection for your ornamental bird.
Ornamental birds are subject to inspection upon arrival in Singapore. You can book an inspection appointment via the eservices - National Parks Board (NParks). Please submit your appointment request at least five days before your consignment’s arrival. Bringing animals for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof.
7. Undergo inspection upon arrival in Singapore.
Your consignment of ornamental birds and the necessary supporting documents will be inspected by our officer at the port of entry. Your consignment will be released if the documents are in order and the birds are healthy.