Beekeeper permits
Varroa mite update - 21 September 2023
During the transition to management phase, the temporary pause on permits for movements from New South Wales will remain in place while the risks are assessed.
Beekeepers who have moved hives under permit must continue to report any bee movements to Agriculture Victoria, regularly test bees for varroa and follow the requirements of the Control Area Order and permits.
This page will continue to be updated as the transition to management plan progresses.
A temporary pause is now in place on the processing of permits for hive and bee movements from New South Wales (NSW) while the risks associated with recent detections in the former NSW General Emergency Zone (GEZ) are assessed.
- Permits will not be granted for bees (including queens, queen cells, bee colonies) and hives from NSW.
- Permits to move beekeeping equipment and honey supers into Victoria from NSW will be considered under the ‘Additional apiary movement permit’ (see below).
Permits required for bee movements
For beekeepers with bees, hives, queen bees, used beekeeping equipment, pollen for bee feeding, or bee products (including honeycomb) in all other states and territories, permits for the movement into Victoria continue to be processed. A permit is required prior to entry into Victoria.
Additionally, permits are required for moving hives that are located in the former Victorian part of the Surveillance Eradication Zones (SEZs) – see below for more information.
Information on permits and conditions
For detailed information about permits and their conditions, please visit our Varroa mite FAQs page, specifically the Permits section of the page.
Your responsibility
It's essential to stay updated with current movement requirements before you move your bees and related items. The health of our bee populations relies on your responsible actions.
Health certificates required
Remember that a health certificate must also be obtained for all movements of bees, bee products, and used fittings (beekeeping equipment) into Victoria. This step helps ensure the health and safety of our bee populations.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need assistance with permits, please feel free to reach out to us:
- Email: Honeybee.Permits@agriculture.vic.gov.au
- Phone: Customer Service Centre at 136 186
Your cooperation in adhering to these measures is greatly appreciated as we work together to protect our valuable beekeeping industry and the health of our bees.
Information for permits to move hives into Victoria
Registered beekeepers (with hives that have not been in NSW) may apply for a permit to move hives into Victoria. Permit applications will be assessed and permits may be issued if the applicant is able to meet specific training, hive testing and traceability requirements. Before applying for a permit, beekeepers should ensure they understand, and are able to fulfil specified permit conditions.
For more information about permits and permit conditions visit Varroa mite FAQs – ‘What restrictions are in place for bees, hives, used equipment and bee products moving into Victoria?’
Surveillance Emergency Zones Hive Movement Permits
As of 30 August 2023, new permits are available for beekeepers currently located in the Victorian part of the former SEZs, to facilitate exit or movement of hives within the zones.
Following the provision of a permit or permit variation, hives from within the former SEZs can be moved anywhere in Victoria or interstate (subject to the receiving state’s import requirements).
Learn more about Beekeeper Permit FAQs
Beekeeper without current hive permit
Apply for this permit if you are currently located in the former Surveillance Emergency Zones (SEZ) and you do not have a current permit for hive movement into Victoria.
Apply for this permitBeekeeper with current hive permit
Apply for this permit if you are currently located in the former Emergency Zones (SEZ) and you have a current permit for hive movement into Victoria.
Apply for this permitBee and hive movement permits
Victorian Registered Beekeeper Permit to move hives from Interstate (single movement)
Apply for this permitVictorian Registered Beekeeper Permit to move hives from Interstate (multiple movements)
Apply for this permitAdditional apiary movement permits
Permit to move honeycomb, unprocessed beeswax or pollen
Apply for this permitPermit to move queen bees
Apply for this permitPermit to move full honey supers only
Apply for this permitPermit to move used equipment only
Apply for this permitPermit to move extracted frames only
Apply for this permitThe following approval is required to be published online to enable Victoria to accept livestock and livestock products from NSW under the permit system.
Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017
Regulation 53
APPROVAL
To: Persons who introduce into Victoria bees, bee products, pollen or used beekeeping fittings from an apiary that is under the laws of the State or Territory of the Commonwealth in which the apiary is located—
- in a quarantine area in respect of Varroosis (Varroa destructor); or
- in an area subject to restrictions on the movement of bees, bee products, pollen or beekeeping fittings due to Varroosis.
For the purposes of regulation 53 of the Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017, I:
- am satisfied that the introduction of the bees, bee products, pollen or used beekeeping fittings into Victoria is unlikely to lead to the transmission of Varroosis from the bees, bee products, pollen or used beekeeping fittings to other livestock or humans; and
- approve the moving of bees, bee products, pollen or used beekeeping fittings from a State or Territory where Varroosis is present into Victoria, subject to the conditions of movement specified below.
This approval is valid from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Rosa Crnov
Chief Plant Health Officer, Biosecurity Victoria
Date: 30/06/2023