Posted 01 April 05

Implementation of European Union directive 97/406a./2005

“All owners/keepers of honeybees who have not already filled in a census return,    should register.    

Official hive numbers will then be allocated and registration documents issued.”

 All bees for export should be tagged or tattooed and the announcement adds. “ the tag or tattoos should include the letters UK,  followed by the hive number.  If individual insect numbers are used, the letter B must be placed between hive number and insect number 

…..Characters on the tags should be of a size and design easily read by those of average eye sight at a distance of one meter.

Bees moving within Great Britain must either be tattooed , tagged or have some other temporary mark such as a body brand, wing notch or paint mark.

 Export or domestic movements of honeybees must be accompanied by a document stating identification mark, total number being moved, addresses and date.  Bees which regularly cross local authority/sovereign state/European boundaries unaccompanied, except by other bees, must be tagged in accordance with European procedures and have all journeys  logged.