Public consultation is now open on a new draft Tasmanian Import Risk Analysis for varroa mite (Varroa destructor). The analysis includes proposed import conditions for apiary products.
Varroa mite is one of the most damaging pests of honey bees in the world. Tasmania is still free of varroa mite, and we want to keep it that way. Supported by strong biosecurity measures, Tasmania's island status gives us a unique opportunity to remain free of this pest.
You can find out more about this consultation on the FAQs page.
Submissions close at 5:00pm on 16 September 2026.
What is happening?
Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) is seeking feedback on the draft analysis, which includes proposed import conditions for apiary products:
Final draft - Import Risk Analysis for Varroa destructor (varroa mite) (PDF 1Mb)
Easy read summaries of the draft analysis and proposed import conditions are also available:
Easy Read Summary - Draft Tasmanian Import Risk Analysis for varroa mite (DOCX 95Kb)
Easy Read Summary - Proposed Group Permit import conditions for apiary products (DOCX 105Kb)
What is being proposed?
The draft analysis looks at how varroa mite could enter Tasmania, what impacts it could have, and what measures may be needed to reduce those risks. It includes proposed import conditions for apiary products.
The draft analysis makes 5 key recommendations. In summary:
Keeping varroa mite classified as prohibited matter in Tasmania.
Maintaining and updating import requirements for products and pathways that could introduce varroa mite into Tasmania.
Reviewing import conditions every year and the risk analysis within five years.
Reviewing surveillance and inspection activities for arriving vessels, freight and vehicles.
Increasing community awareness about varroa mite and helping people to understand their biosecurity responsibilities.
Key proposed import conditions include:
Introducing new processing requirements for some honey and beeswax products.
Allowing the import of products such as honey, beeswax, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee venom and bee semen where they meet Tasmania's biosecurity requirements.
Your feedback will help ensure that import conditions are fit for purpose and balance individual and business needs with the protection of Tasmania’s beekeepers, communities, primary industries and natural environment.
How to have your say
Submissions must be received by 5:00pm on 16 September 2026.
Our preference is to receive submissions through our online feedback form.
We recommend that you read the draft analysis and the supporting FAQs before filling out the online feedback form. Easy read summaries of the draft analysis and proposed import conditions are also available.
You can also send your submission to:
Email: Biosecurity.PlantHealth@nre.tas.gov.au
Post: Plant Biosecurity and Diagnostics Branch
C/o: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
GPO Box 44
HOBART TASMANIA 7001
Questions about the draft analysis, import conditions, or the public consultation process can be sent to: Biosecurity.PlantHealth@nre.tas.gov.au
About your submission
Accessible submissions
We encourage you to write your submission in plain English and submit it through our online form, or in Microsoft Word or a similar format. While we aim to make information accessible, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of documents provided by third parties.
Publishing and confidentiality
Your name, or the name of your organisation, will be published unless you ask us not to. Personal information other than a person's name or organisation name will not be published.
Submissions will be treated as public unless you clearly request that all or part of your submission remains confidential. If you do, please identify the confidential sections and explain why you want them withheld.
The Department may choose not to publish submissions that contain offensive, defamatory or identifying information about other individuals.
Right to Information
Information provided as part of your submission may be released under the Right to Information Act 2009. If you have requested confidentiality, this will be considered if an application is made to access your submission. You may also be contacted for further comment.