Biosecurity Advisory 14 March 2023 - Beekeeper Registration Now Compulsory

As part of the implementation of the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act), beekeeping is now considered a 'regulated dealing' (under Part 5, Division 3, Section 77), and under the Act a person must not engage in a regulated dealing unless they are 'registered'.

Registration is compulsory for all Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers. Current Tasmanian beekeepers must register their beekeeping activities before 31 March 2023. Penalties may apply for failing to register before this date if you currently keep bees either commercially or recreationally.

Compulsory registration helps us prevent the spread of unwanted pests and diseases such as varroa mite, which would have a devastating effect on Tasmania's apiary industry, and other agricultural industries pollinated by European honeybees.

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There is no cost to register, and registration will remain free until 31 March 2025. For more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

Tasmanian beekeepers previously registered voluntarily with Biosecurity Tasmania must re-register using the new online form by 31 March 2023, as there are new conditions associated with registration.

Please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au if you are having trouble accessing or using the online form.