TSS transported stock statement

The Transported Stock Statement (TSS) is a document used when transporting livestock and helps with traceability.  When a TSS is needed, and what information must be included in a TSS, is explained in Part 9 of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (the LLS Act) and Part 8 of the Local Land Services Regulation 2014.

TSSs can be approved livestock transporters' consignment notes, a TSS form available from Local Land Services (LLS) offices, or a document printed by a saleyard, called a Sale Outward Movement Record (SOMR). The SOMR is approved as a TSS in NSW.

The TSS was the precursor to the National Vendor Declaration and Waybill (NVD). An NVD includes additional information relating to food safety and market access of the livestock being sold or moved.

You must use a TSS whenever cattle, sheep, goats, horses or some non-indigenous animals (commonly known as Bison, Buffalo, Camel, Blackbuck, Banteng or Guanaco) are to be transported by a vehicle, whether it be by road, rail, water or air, from one property to another property.

Your Local Land Services (LLS) office stocks supplies of TSS.

A TSS is not required in the following circumstances:

1. when stock is transported into New South Wales from another state or from the Australian Capital Territory, and transported within New South Wales for up to 30 kilometres before returning to that other state or territory as part of an unbroken journey;when
2. stock is transported across or along a road when moving from one part of a holding to another part, that is separated by the road;
3. when stock is transported to or from a place for treatment by a veterinary practitioner;
4. when horses are being transported to or from any agricultural show, exhibition, gymkhana, pony club meeting or similar function;
5. when racehorses, harness racing horses or working horses are being transported from one place to another;
6. when stock are transported using a stock permit issued under Section 78 of the Local Land Services Act 2013, or a permit issued under Part 21, Division 2 of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Local Land Services (LLS) may charge a fee for a TSS, and the fee may vary between LLS districts. Contact your nearest LLS office for further information on TSS fees, or ring 1300 795 299.

The TSS is in two parts:

Part 1 of a TSS should be completed by the owner of the stock. The 'owner of the stock' includes:

1. an employee of the owner of the stock, or
2. a person other than the owner of the stock who is responsible for the stock (for example, a carrier) or their employee.

Part 2 must be completed by the driver of the vehicle.

If the person who fills out Part 1 of the TSS is the owner of the stock, two copies of the form are needed. The original must be given to the carrier.

If the carrier completes Part 1 of the form, then only the original is required by the carrier.

Part 1 of the TSS should be completed by the owner or person in charge of the stock prior to the commencement of the journey at the consignment property.

Part 2 of the form should be completed by the driver, or person in charge of the stock while the stock is being transported.

At least two years. This applies to:

• an owner of stock transporting their own stock by vehicle
• an owner of stock who provides another person who is transporting the stock with a TSS
• a person in charge of a vehicle transporting stock who is provided with a TSS
• a consignee who is provided with a TSS.

TSSs are mostly enforced by police officers, but sometimes by officers who have been authorised to exercise functions under Part 9 of the Local Land Services Act 2013.

If you are ever in doubt about the authenticity of an authorised officer, ask to see their certificate of authority.

Providing that an authorised officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a vehicle is being used to transport stock, they may stop and search the vehicle. Subject to certain conditions set out in the LLS Act, an authorised officer may also give reasonable directions to any person in or on the vehicle, or in the vicinity of a vehicle which they believe is being used to transport stock.

Further details regarding the powers of authorised officers in respect of TSSs can be found at sections 123 and 124 of the LLS Act.

You may face prosecution and a penalty of up to $2200.

You will see a TSS logo printed in the top left-hand corner of the consignment note. Only those consignment notes approved by the (NSW) Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee carry this logo. The Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee is comprised of one representative from each of the Department of Primary Industries, NSW Police and the Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association.

A livestock transporter can apply to the Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee for approval of their consignment note as a TSS. In order for such approval to be granted, the consignment note must contain certain information.

The Committee can approve consignment notes subject to them being compiled or identified in a particular manner (see sections 119 (1) and 127 of the LLS Act and clause 83 of the LLS Regulation 2014).

A Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) National Vendor Declaration and Waybill (NVD) for cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats; and European Union Vendor Declarations for cattle are approved as a TSS in NSW.

It is important to use the most recent version of LPA NVDs available when transporting stock.

No. If an NVD is required, you shouldn't use a TSS. The NVD requires answers to other food safety and market access questions about the consigned livestock, which aren't included in the TSS.

The TSS is mostly used when transporting livestock between properties. The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program requires that members use an LPA NVD when moving cattle, sheep, goats, EU cattle and bobby calves between properties.

You can obtain information on LPA NVD (eNVD and paper forms) and how to order them from Integrity Systems Company.

You can order LPA NVDs on 1800 683 111 or by emailing info@integritysystems.com.au

No, these documents record health information on the livestock being sold or moved, and may be required by the buyer of the livestock. The National Sheep Health, Goat Health and Cattle Health Statements are not approved as TSSs in NSW.

Livestock Health Declarations are available from the Farm Biosecurity website.

NSW producers, agents and carriers who have a TSS can move stock from NSW into the ACT without having to additionally complete and carry an ACT Permit to Travel Stock.

ACT producers, agents and carriers who have a Permit to Travel Stock can move stock from the ACT into NSW without having to complete a TSS.

Consignment notes that are approved as a TSS by the Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee and carry the TSS logo are accepted as a valid stock transport document in the ACT.

Yes, the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) National Vendor Declaration and Waybill (NVD) approved in NSW as a TSS, is accepted as valid stock transport document in the ACT.