If you keep honey bees (Apis mellifera) in New South Wales you must be registered with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). This requirement is legislated under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
There are many serious pests and diseases of honey bees that have the potential to devastate the Australian apiary industry.
The Biosecurity Act 2015:
More information about the Biosecurity Act 2015.
For registration and more information visit the Biosecurity and Food Safety Portal.
Newly registered beekeepers will receive information about responsible beekeeping and bee biosecurity.
All NSW beekeepers need to adhere to the Australian Honey Bee Industry Code of Practice as a condition of registration. Beekeepers must meet minimum standards related to inspections, disease management, reporting, hive maintenance and record keeping.
Owners of beehives can be traced using the registration system. Beekeepers are required to display their registered number (brand) on their hive. Good identification allows Authorised Officers to locate owners of hives when tracing disease outbreaks, in bushfires or when aerial spraying occurs.
If certain exotic bee pests and diseases enter NSW, unregistered beekeepers will not receive assistance from DPIRD. Unregistered hives will be confiscated and owners could be prosecuted.
If you are aware of someone who is threatening the industry by not complying with the need to register, we encourage you to contact the Exotic Plant Pest hotline 1800 084 881.
Ph: 02 6552 3000 | Email: bfs.admin@dpi.nsw.gov.au