Due to the ongoing response to Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in NSW, the Tasmanian Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place an extension to General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) to further prevent the introduction of this honeybee parasite into Tasmania.

This Direction is in effect as of 5pm on Friday 6 Jan 2023 and remains in effect for 6 months, unless it is revoked earlier. The Direction prohibits the import into Tasmania of any:

• ​European honey bee (Apis mellifera​); or

• any animal product produced by, or from, a European honey bee other than commercially produced bee pro​ducts such as honey filtered to a maxi​mum 2 mm pore size and melted refined beeswax, or another process approved by the Chief Plant Protection Officer; or

• any used beekeeping equipment; or

• any other thing that may reasonably be suspected of being a carrier of bees, or any pest or disease that may affect bees. 

Biosecurity Tasmania understands that a potential longer-term restriction on queen importation will impact Tasmanian businesses, and will work closely with the Tasmanian industry to ensure alternative options are explored. Realistically, producers should consider local alternatives in sourcing queens for the coming season. ​

 Emergency Biosecurity Direction_01_22_ Bees_Signed_6 Jul 2022 (PDF 159Kb)​

Extension of General Biosecurity Direction

 General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) bees, bee products and equipment (PDF 89Kb)