Introduction
You must hold a licence with the NSW Food Authority if your business:
- cultures, harvests or collects shellfish
- cleans shellfish
- cultivates spat.
You can apply and pay for the licence online. To apply for more than one premises, you need to lodge a printed application form with the NSW Food Authority.
What you need
- your personal and contact details
- the ASIC company statement showing name/s of the director/s (if applicable)
- the certificate of registration of your business name issued by Fair Trading NSW or ASIC (if applicable)
- the certificate of incorporation (if applicable)
- your NSW Fisheries permit
- details of the business activities and location
- your payment.
How to apply
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
- Complete the online eligibility screen and if your business is eligible, continue to application screens.
- Complete the applicant details, facilities and consents and declaration screens.
- Review charges and proceed to payment options.
- Submit your application.
If you're unable to apply online:
- Download and complete the Application for a seafood licence – shellfish cultivation or harvest – PDF.
- Gather the required documents.
- Submit your application with payment by mail, fax or email, to the details on the form.
More information
- You only pay one licence fee if you apply for more than one premises at the same time.
- Your licence fee is calculated on the lease area of your farm and local program.
- You’ll be notified of processing times within 10 working days.
- After submitting your application, you're required to undergo a licensing audit or inspection.
- You must not start business operations until your application has been processed.
- Businesses licensed with the NSW Food Authority must comply with the Food Act 2003, Food Regulation 2015 and the Food Standards Code.
- A licence can't be transferred.
- If you require a licence to transport shellfish, please go to Apply for a food transport business licence.
Last updated: 6 November 2019