Tropilaelaps mite presents a significant biosecurity risk to Great Britain’s bee population. In recent years the population of Tropilaelaps mercedesae has spread westward from its native range in Asia. There are now confirmed populations in western Russia and Georgia. Surveillance for Tropilaelaps mite in Ukraine is currently limited. Given the pest’s continued westward spread across continental Europe and the challenges associated with its detection, there are concerns that current surveillance efforts may not be sufficient to reliably identify its presence.
We are introducing temporary safeguarding measures to prevent the export of honey bees, certain apiculture products and used beekeeping equipment from Ukraine to protect Great Britain’s biosecurity.
From 7th October 2025 the following bee and apiculture products are prohibited for export into Great Britain from Ukraine:
- honey bees
- unprocessed apiculture by-products
- used beekeeping equipment
- apiculture products in honeycomb intended for human consumption
The measures will continue to apply until they are revoked.
Actions for beekeepers
We ask that beekeepers continue to remain alert to the potential risk of Tropilaelaps invasion. To learn more on how to identify Tropilaelaps, please read this page.
It has been demonstrated that Tropilaelaps mite is a highly mobile pest that can be easily introduced into new regions through global trade in beeswax, or importation of package bees or queens. It is crucial that importers of bees and bee products are aware of, and comply with, the legislation on imports of bees and bee products.
- Tropilaelaps is a statutory notifiable pest; evidence of Tropilaelaps being present in a hive must be reported to the National Bee Unit immediately
- It is not permitted to import any bees, unprocessed apiculture products or used beekeeping equipment from: Ukraine.
- It is not permitted to import package bees, nucleus colonies or full colonies from any country except New Zealand
- Only queens (with attendants) may be imported from other countries
- All imports (bees and bee products) must be notified via the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Service (IPAFFS)