Guidance on importing bees into Scotland

This Scottish Government guidance aims to clarify the requirements that apply to imports of bees into Scotland from certain parts of the British Isles, from the EU and the rest of the world.

The aim of the legislation is to prevent the introduction and spread of bee pests and diseases, particularly the small hive beetle. If you are importing bees, whether for your own use or to sell on, it is important that you comply with all the import conditions in order to protect the health of honey bees in the UK.

Topics include:

• import controls and packing precautions
• legislation you must comply with
• importing bees from different regions both within and outwith the UK
• approved border controls posts (BCPs)
• post-import controls
• additional information on sales of bees

This informal, non-statutory guidance does not provide comprehensive coverage of all conditions laid down in legislation and has no legal force.

Anyone can use this service.

This is a free service.

Businesses and individuals engaged in the import of bees into Scotland, either for your own use or to sell on.

This guidance applies to Scotland only. Similar legislation is in place in England and Wales. Different rules apply to Northern Ireland in accordance with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

This guidance will be updated as necessary to reflect any changes to our relationship with the EU and/or the Northern Ireland Protocol as a result of the ongoing negotiations.

Visit the Scottish Government website to read the full guidance.