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Registration as a Beekeeper - Victoria

Description

You will require this registration if you intend to operate as a beekeeper and keep one or more beehives.

Registration allows the agency to conduct disease prevention and control programs that are beneficial for all beekeepers. Each registered beekeeper is issued a unique brand. All hives controlled by the registered beekeeper must be marked with this brand.

If you are introducing any bees, bee products, pollen or used beekeeping fittings from another State or Territory of Australia, you must complete a document certifying disease-free status and compliance with the regulations. This document must be certified by a government apiary officer.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this registration, you must:

  • ensure all safety and health precautions are undertaken
  • complete any relevant forms
  • pay the registration fee.

Ongoing eligibility requirements

You will be required to lodge a notification if you dispose of some or all of your hives. Notifications must be lodged within seven days of the disposal. Other ongoing notifications may be required.

A beekeeper must visually examine each hive that they keep for the presence of disease at least two times a year with a minimum of 4 months between the 2 examinations.

Please consult with Agriculture Victoria for more information regarding testing of hives for diseases and other ongoing eligibility requirements.

Duration

Two years from the date it was granted unless cancelled sooner.

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application All

Beekeepers with 1 to 5 hives:

  • register online - no charge
  • register with paper application form - $30.00.

Fees for 2024-25
Apply Application All

Beekeepers with 6 or more hives:

  • register 6 to 50 hives - $30.00
  • register 51 or more hives (per hive) - $0.60.

Fees for 2024-25

Act(s) name

Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 Victoria

Regulation(s) name

Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017 Victoria

Additional information

Written approval from the agency is required if you are importing from a quarantine area or restricted movement area. Approval will only be granted if it is unlikely to lead to the transmission of disease.

Administering agency

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Agriculture Victoria

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.

Supporting information

Honey Bees (Opens in new window)