The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice (the Code) was revised in late 2025 to reflect the establishment of Varroa destructor in parts of Australia. This summary outlines what beekeepers must do to be compliant.

Where the Code has been legislated in your state or territory, Part B is compulsory for all beekeepers. Part C adds extra compulsory requirements for those managing 20 or more hives (reduced from 50 or more in the previous version of the Code).

Compliance is by self-certification, supported by record checks by apiary officers. The Code does not replace state and territory beekeeping laws. If there is any inconsistency, the legislation takes precedence.

What you must do as a beekeeper

Part B – All beekeepers

1. Be registered as a beekeeper with your state/territory government department of  Primary Industries or equivalent.
2. Report notifiable pests and diseases when detected or suspected. Requirements differ between states and territories, so make sure you know the rules in your jurisdiction.
3. Inspect hives regularly for pests and diseases.
   • At least three inspections per year, with a minimum of three months between inspections (up from two inspections in the previous version of the Code).
   • Where Varroa is not established, inspect at least one hive in every apiary for arthropods in spring, summer and autumn.
   • See the Code for full inspection requirements.
4. Control or eradicate pests and diseases and manage weak hives.
   • The Code outlines how to minimise spread (including robbing control) and manage American foulbrood (AFB) in bees, hives and equipment.
   • Antibiotics must not be used to control AFB.
5. Keep records of biosecurity actions and observations.
6. Use appropriately constructed, maintained and branded hives.
   • Bee access only via specifically designed and manufactured entrances.
   • Branded with your allocated hive identification code.
   • Individually and separately removable frames/combs.
7. Do not allow hives or appliances to become exposed or neglected.
   • Hives not to be abandoned or neglected.
   • Hives, parts of a used hive or honey not to be exposed to robber bees.
   • Destroy or properly dispose of unwanted bees or parts of hives.
   • Bees must have access to a water source.
   • Manage swarming.
8. Allow your operation to be assessed by Bee Biosecurity Officers or other authorised persons when required.

Part C – Additional requirements for beekeepers with 20 or more hives

1. Demonstrate minimum biosecurity knowledge.
   • Complete approved training in pest and disease identification and management within 12 months of first registering, then at least every three years.
   • The Code provides details of online and approved training courses.
2. Have honey tested annually for AFB.
   • One laboratory test on a pooled honey sample from at least 20% of your hives.
3. Declare compliance with the Code each year.
   • Use the declaration template in Appendix 1 of the Code and keep supporting documentation.

Part D – Best practice

Part D provides best practice recommendations, including identifying apiary sites and maintaining a barrier system of hive management. These are not compulsory but strongly recommended.

Bee Biosecurity Officers, employed through the industry-funded National Bee Biosecurity Program, are available to help beekeepers understand and meet their obligations under the Code. An updated Biosecurity Manual is also available.

Acknowledgements

• Biosecurity Manual for beekeepers
• Australian honey bee code of practice
• This article was peer-reviewed by Nadine Chapman and Josh D’Ambrosio.