It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

Information about the process required to import animals into member countries of the European Union (EU) from Australia can be found by referring to the EU website.

There are national rules that may apply to the movement of animals into individual EU member countries and you should check these.

Refer to these and the Department’s websites for current information about exporting animals (including any suspensions).

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

As required by the importing country.

It is the responsibility of the exporter to use the appropriate EU health certificate, and ensure that this and any accompanying declarations are in English and the appropriate language of the EU member country of the border inspection post (BIP) where the animals will enter the EU.

Australian Departmental officers will only endorse health certification for animals destined to the EU if it is written in English and, where required, an official language of the EU member country of the BIP where the animals will enter the EU.

Australian Departmental officers will not endorse health certification for animals destined to the EU if only presented in a language other than English.

The EU legislation specifies animal health requirements in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 Article 63-72.

The EU provides model health certificates in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403, in Annex II, Chapters 36-37.

Pre-export preparations

There may be particular requirements for packaging the honey bees for export and you should check this.

Transport requirements

There may be requirements for transportation and approved routes for exporting honey bees and you should check this.

Based on the European Commission and importing country websites and information.

Entry last reviewed 14 August 2026.