Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order revokes and re-enacts the Importation of Bees Order 1980, as amended. That Order prohibited the importation of bees or bee pests except under the authority of a general or specific licence issued by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the Secretary of State. A specific licence permitted the licensee to import a specified consignment of bees or bee pests from a country named in the general licence issued under that Order.
The principal change made by this Order is to provide for the issue of a specific licence which permits the licence holder to import an unlimited number of consignments of bees or bee pests from any specified country. Specific licences are valid for a specified period not exceeding three years (article 6).
Article 7 sets out the procedure to be followed before a specific licence is suspended or revoked.
Any person who without lawful authority or excuse, contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this Order is guilty of an offence against the Bees Act 1980.