Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) is seeking feedback on a new draft Import Risk Analysis for varroa mite (Varroa destructor). The analysis includes proposed import conditions for apiary products.
Submissions close at 5:00pm on 16 September 2026. Go to our consultation page to learn more.
Why is Biosecurity Tasmania consulting on measures to protect Tasmania's honey bees and agriculture?
Honey bees play a vital role in Tasmania's food production, agriculture and environment. They pollinate many of the crops we rely on and support industries worth millions of dollars to our state.
Varroa mite is one of the most damaging pests of honey bees worldwide. Tasmania remains free of varroa mite, and we want to keep it that way.
Following the spread of varroa mite on mainland Australia, BT has reviewed the risk of the pest reaching Tasmania and is now seeking feedback on proposed measures to help protect the state's varroa-free status.
What is varroa mite?
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a small parasitic mite that attacks European honey bees (Apis mellifera).
It weakens bees by feeding on them and can spread diseases within colonies. If left unmanaged, varroa mite can cause significant colony losses and affect pollination services relied upon by agriculture, the environment and home gardens.
Why is this review being done now?
Varroa mite has become established on mainland Australia.
This increases the risk to Tasmania and makes it important to reassess how varroa mite could enter the state and whether current import controls remain appropriate.
How could varroa mite enter Tasmania?
The analysis considered a range of possible pathways, including bee-related products imported into Tasmania, and accidental transport through freight, vessels and vehicles arriving from mainland Australia.
The proposed measures are designed to reduce these risks to a very low level.
What does the draft analysis propose?
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.
What import conditions are proposed for bee products?
The proposed import conditions would:
Introduce new processing requirements for some honey and beeswax products.
Allow 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.
These measures are designed to ensure products can be imported safely while protecting Tasmania's bee industry, agriculture and environment.
Have any recommendations or import conditions been finalised?
The Import Risk Analysis and proposed import conditions are still drafts. Feedback received during consultation will help inform the final recommendations and any future decisions.
What is an Import Risk Analysis?
An Import Risk Analysis is a scientific assessment that looks at how a pest or disease could enter Tasmania, what impacts it could have, and what measures may be needed to reduce those risks. It helps ensure biosecurity decisions are based on evidence.
Why doesn't Tasmania aim for zero risk?
Tasmania's biosecurity system aims to reduce risks to a very low level through science-based controls, policies, surveillance and compliance activities.
Zero risk is not considered achievable because people, goods and freight continue to move between Tasmania and other jurisdictions.
Who should provide feedback?
Anyone with an interest in protecting Tasmania's honey bees, agriculture, environment and biosecurity is encouraged to participate, including:
Commercial and recreational beekeepers
Growers and agricultural producers
Businesses that import or sell bee-related products
Industry organisations
Interested community members
How do I provide feedback on the proposed import conditions?
The public consultation period will be open for 30 days for you to have your say.
We must receive your submission by 5:00 pm on 16 September 2026.
Our preference is to receive submissions online using our feedback form. Go to our consultation page to learn more.
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
What happens with my feedback?
We will collect, analyse and interpret all submissions. We then compile the findings into a consultation report, which we will publish on the consultation webpage.
We will also publish your submission, including your name or organisation, on the consultation page unless you ask us to keep part or all of it confidential.
We never publish personal details like your phone number, email, or address.
If you don't clearly tell us that your submission (or parts of it) is confidential, we will treat it as public information.
How can I give feedback if reading or writing is hard for me?
You have several options:
Ask someone you trust for help: A friend or family member, or someone at a service like Libraries Tasmania, can help you understand the information and you can ask them to submit a response on your behalf.
Contact us: If you'd like to discuss other options for submitting a response or request a paper copy of the IRA, please email us at Biosecurity.PlantHealth@nre.tas.gov.au
Easy read summaries of the draft analysis and import conditions are also available to help you understand what is being proposed.
Is language support available?
Yes. If English is not your first language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if you need to contact us directly:
Who can I contact for more information?
We're here to help. Contact us by phone or email:
Phone: 1300 368 550
Email: Biosecurity.PlantHealth@nre.tas.gov.au