Bee Biosecurity

Information on the importation of bees, honey and apiary products and diseases that infect bees.

In this topic

Varroa mite
Varroa mites (Varroa jacobsoni and V. destructor) are the most serious pest affecting honey bees worldwide.
Import Requirements for Queen Bees and Apiary Products
Entry requirements for importing Bees into Tasmania. Note: Honey comb, used apiary equipment (including bee suits and gloves), and packaged bees may not be imported.
Beekeeper Registration
Information about the now compulsory registration of beekeeping in Tasmania. Under the Biosecurity Act 2019 and Biosecurity Regulations 2022, beekeeping in Tasmania is a 'regulated dealing' meaning a person enaging in such must be 'registered'.
General Biosecurity Direction - Apiaries
Transitional arrangements under the Biosecurity Act 2019, known as a General Biosecurity Direction (BD), have been put in place.
AHBIC National Bee Biosecurity Program
The National Bee Biosecurity Program (NBBP) is a national biosecurity partnership between the honey bee industry, represented by the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC), Plant Health Australia (PHA), and state governments around Australia.
National Bee Pest Surveillance Program
The National Bee Pest Surveillance Program is an early warning system to detect new incursions of exotic bee pests and pest bees.
Codes of Practice
This Code of Practice for Urban Beekeeping has been developed by members of the Southern Beekeepers Association Inc (SBA) (also known as the Southern Branch of the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association). The Tasmanian Crop Pollination Association has developed a voluntary Code of Practice (COP) that can be used as a guide for contracting pollination services.
Embargo on Beekeeping Equipment
Tasmania has introduced movement restrictions on used bee equipment into the State.
Small Hive Beetle
The small hive beetle originated from South Africa and can cause death of the hive and damage to beekeeping equipment.
Exporting honey, honeycomb and other apiary products
To advise exporters and inspectors of the protocol for the treatment of comb honey for export from Tasmania to Mainland Australia, to ensure the comb is free of the bee parasite Braula coeca.
Further Information and Important Reading
Links to important reading and further information for Beekeeper's