Hey folks - fairly random question, but are there any hobby beekeepers out there who move to Canada from the UK? Do you know what you can and can't bring?

I have one hive with bees, and one empty unused hive (that has sat outside for a bit, but has unused foundation etc). But - is this dictated by some agricultural customs law, and thereform can't travel with peronal effects?

I'm guessing that the unused (but not 'new') beehive I build can come with me, and the new foundation but the active bee hive will have to stay in the UK, unless the Customs Officer are partial to a bit of honey! Thinking about it, you couldn't ship a beehive over a 6 week period can you?

Also, what about all the other bits:

- Beesuit, Leather Gloves (okay to wash and bring?) (Might be hard to get the glove 100% clean?)
- Hive Tool - clean and bring?
- Feed bucket - wash and bring?
- Smoker - no I'm guess that's a no-go to bring?

Finally, do national hives used out in Canada? If I binrg my national and need to source extra supers can you buy these in Canada, or is this a Brit thing?

Thanks!

I would suggest you contact one of the Beekeeping Associations by Googling Beekeeping Canada where there already a number of sites covering the subject. It's a very specialized activity and it's doubtful anyone on here will be able to answer your questions. I'm sure Agriculture Canada will have/provide some information on the matter.

There is a sign (I think it's on the border when heading from NB to NS) that highlights the illegality of honey bee importation.
You may find the answer is different depending on which province you are heading for.

There are both provincial and federal regulations:
According to this, "the importation into Canada of used beehives or bee equipment is prohibited under the Health of Animals Regulations, paragraph 57(a)."
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/r...e-14.html#h-34

Which say

Beehives and Beeswax

57. No person shall import into Canada
(a) used beehives or used beehive equipment; or
(b) bee products for bee feeding unless
(i) they are accompanied by a certificate stating that they have been treated in a manner approved by the Minister to prevent the introduction or spread of any disease, or
(ii) they are transported under seal of an inspector direct from the point of importation to an establishment approved by the Minister for treatment.

Which seams like a lot of hassle to go to for a few frames.


In Ontario:
"Section 13 (2) of the Bees Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter B.6 reads as follows: "No person shall receive or transport in any manner within Ontario any bees or used beekeeping equipment obtained from outside Ontario without a permit from the Provincial Apiarist stating the conditions under which such bees or beekeeping equipment may be received or transported within Ontario."
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/sta...es_90b06_e.htm

In short its going to be a lot easier to sell what you have in the UK and replace it once settled in Canada.

I think the bees must know we were moving as 60% swarmed a few days ago! Thanks everyone for your advice. I wonder if "used" beed equiptment excludes the new hive I have built (which has not been inhabited?)

Also "bee equiptment" - I wonder if that included washed beekeeping clothing?

How do you demonstrate the customs that it has not been used. The last thing you want is CFIA going through your belongings.

Its all defined in the legislation...

"“beekeeping equipment” means hives, parts of hives and utensils used in the keeping of bees; (“matériel apicole”)"

I think I'll have to donated my bees (and honey) to a good UK home!

Or maybe I could train them to migrate?!

Thanks to everyone for your answers - really very helpful as always.

For future reference, I just found this with regards to bees and Vancouver Island:

http://capital-region-beekeepers.blo...uarantine.html

I like the idea of bee-keeping, but I've got no idea how to go about it and I don't want to get stung.

Anyway, the point of this post is to mention that some places have by-laws saying no bee keeping within city limits. It's worth checking where you intend to live.