Call out to all beekeepers!
Varroa mite is not currently in Tasmania but will have a significant impact on pollination as the state relies on >90% pollination from wild bees and if it enters the state, it is expected to wipe out over 80% of wild bees. The non commercial beekeepers do not want to take the risks of letting it get here. That neans no cut flowers from mainland, no used bee items, no imported bees (no way can they inspect them all as Queen bees used to be imported.) We want better public education and biosecurity checks of vehicles coming over on the boats etc. They arent even saying warnings on planes regularly. The info needs to get out to the public to help advocate for action.
Biosecurity Tasmania is seeking feedback on a draft varroa mite Import Risk Analysis and proposed import conditions for apiary products. We would like to hear from commercial and recreational beekeepers, agricultural industries, businesses and other interested stakeholders about these proposed measures.
Varroa mite is one of the most damaging pests of honey bees worldwide. Tasmania remains free of varroa mite, but the pest is now established on mainland Australia. This has prompted a review of the risk of varroa mite entering and becoming established in Tasmania.
The draft analysis is a scientific assessment of:
how varroa mite could enter Tasmania,
the risks varroa mite could pose, and
measures that may be needed to reduce those risks.
Key recommendations include:
Keeping varroa mite listed 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 inspection and surveillance activities for arriving vessels, freight and vehicles.
Increasing community awareness about varroa mite and helping people to understand their biosecurity responsibilities.
Key proposed import conditions include:
New processing requirements for some honey and beeswax products.
Allowing 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.
Together, these measures aim to reduce the risk of varroa mite entering Tasmania, while supporting a practical and effective biosecurity system that protects our beekeepers, agricultural industries, communities and environment.
Consultation is now open for 30 days.
We encourage you to read the draft analysis and supporting FAQs before making a submission. Easy read summaries of the analysis and import conditions are also available.
Your feedback will help inform the final recommendations.
Submissions close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
To read the draft analysis and FAQs and have your say, visit: www.nre.tas.gov.au/VarroaIRA
If you have any questions, please contact Biosecurity.PlantHealth@nre.tas.gov.au.
Thank you for your participation,
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