Biosecurity Regulation 2025 (ACT)
Biosecurity Regulation 2025
SL2025-3
made under the
Biosecurity Act 2023
Republication No 2
Effective: 26 November 2025
Republication date: 26 November 2025
Last amendment made by A2025‑28
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Biosecurity Regulation 2025, made under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 26 November 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 26 November 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at type="disc">
authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication. Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication does not include amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law are accessible on the ACT legislation register ( For more information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
Biosecurity Regulation 2025
made under the
Biosecurity Act 2023
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of regulation 2
3 Dictionary 2
4 Notes 2
5Offences against regulation—application of Criminal Code etc 3
Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements
Division 2.1 Specific biosecurity requirements—preliminary
6 Specific biosecurity requirements—Act, s 23 4
Division 2.2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed
Subdivision 2.2.1 Animal feed—generally
7 Definitions—div 2.2 4
Subdivision 2.2.2 Animal feed—pigs
8 Meaning of prohibited pig feed—sdiv 2.2.2 6
9 Offence—feed prohibited pig feed to pigs 7
10 Offence—possess animal feed containing prohibited pig feed 7
11 Offence—supply prohibited pig feed 8
Subdivision 2.2.3 Animal feed—ruminants
12 Definitions—sdiv 2.2.3 8
13 Offence—feed restricted animal material to ruminant 10
14 Offences—supply packaged animal feed without RAM statement 10
15 Offences—supply bulk animal feed without RAM statement 12
16 Offence—interfere with RAM statement on animal feed 13
17 Offence—produce, package or supply contaminated ruminant feed 14
Division 2.3 Specific biosecurity requirement—chickens
18 Offence—Newcastle disease vaccination 14
Part 3 Biosecurity events
19 Meaning of biosecurity event—Act, s 25, def biosecurity event, par (b) (vi) 16
Part 4 Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter
20 Definitions—pt 4 17
21 Notifying biosecurity events—Act, s 26 (1) 17
22 Notifying presence of notifiable biosecurity matter—Act, s 30 (1) 17
Part 5 Biosecurity registration—beekeepers
Division 5.1 Beekeeper registration—definitions
23 Definitions—pt 5 19
Division 5.2 Beekeeper registration—generally
24 Dealing with bees is regulated dealing—Act, s 88 19
25 Beekeeper registration decision—registration number 20
26 Beekeeper registration decision—period to decide—Act, s 95 (5) 20
27 Register of beekeepers 21
28 Beekeeping code of practice 22
Division 5.3 Beekeeper registration—conditions
29 Beekeeper registration conditions—Act, s 99 (1) (b) 22
30 Condition—details must be kept up-to-date 22
31 Condition—beehive must display registration number 22
32 Condition—frame hives must be used 22
33 Condition—maximum number of beehives 23
34 Condition—beehives near boundary of residential lease 23
35 Condition—beehives must not be exposed 24
36 Condition—beehives must be inspected 24
37 Condition—beekeeping records must be kept 24
38 Condition—compliance with code of practice 26
Part 6 Biosecurity registration—goat depots
39 Operating a goat depot is a regulated dealing—Act, s 88 28
40 Goat depot registration decision—period to decide—Act, s 95 (5) 28
41 Goat depot registration condition—Act, s 99 (1) (b) 28
Part 7 Biosecurity registration—vaccination
42 Dealing with certain vaccines is regulated dealing—Act, s 88 29
43 Vaccine dealing registration decision—period to decide—Act, s 95 (5) 30
Part 8 Biosecurity management plans
44 Definitions—pt 8 31
45 Biosecurity management plans—preparation and adoption 31
46 Biosecurity management plans—effect 32
Dictionary33
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 36
2 Abbreviation key 36
3 Legislation history 37
4 Amendment history 37
5 Earlier republications 38
Biosecurity Regulation 2025
made under the
Biosecurity Act 2023
Part 1Preliminary
Name of regulation
This regulation is the Biosecurity Regulation 2025.
Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this regulation is part of this regulation.
Note 1The dictionary at the end of this regulation defines certain terms used in this regulation, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in this regulation.
For example, the signpost definition ‘property identification code, for part 4 (Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter)—see the Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2025, dictionary.’ means that the term ‘property identification code’ is defined in that dictionary and the definition applies to this regulation.
Note 2A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire regulation unless the definition, or another provision of the regulation, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
Notes
A note included in this regulation is explanatory and is not part of this regulation.
NoteSee the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
Offences against regulation—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this regulation.
Note 1Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this regulation (see Code, pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.
Part 2Specific biosecurity requirements
Division 2.1 Specific biosecurity requirements—preliminary
Specific biosecurity requirements—Act, s 23
A requirement mentioned in this regulation in relation to biosecurity matter, a carrier or a dealing, is a specific biosecurity requirement in relation to the biosecurity matter, carrier or dealing.
NoteA person who fails to comply with a specific biosecurity requirement fails to comply with the general biosecurity duty and may be guilty of an offence under the Act, s 24 (see Act, s 23).
Division 2.2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed
Subdivision 2.2.1 Animal feed—generally
Definitions—div 2.2
(1)In this division:
animal feed means material that is fed to an animal, or is intended to be fed to, or consumed by, an animal.
Australian or lawfully imported milk product means any milk, milk product or milk by-product that is—
(a)of Australian origin; or
(b)lawfully imported into Australia for use as animal feed; or
(c)made from milk, a milk product or a milk by‑product lawfully imported into Australia for making animal feed.
tallow means fat or oil from an animal that—
(a)has been rendered in accordance with AS 5008; and
(b)contains not more than 2% (by volume) insoluble impurities and moisture.
NoteTallow is sometimes known as yellow grease or acid oil.
used cooking oil means oil that—
(a)was previously used for cooking in Australia; and
(b)has been collected, processed and packaged in accordance with the National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed.
(2)In this section:
AS 5008 means Australian Standard AS 5008 (Hygienic rendering of animal products) as in force from time to time.
Note 1AS 5008 does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply to it (see Act, s 232A).
Note 2AS 5008 may be purchased at Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed means the National Standard for Recycling of Used Cooking Fats and Oils Intended for Animal Feeds approved by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and published by the Australian Renderers Association.
Note 1The National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply to it (see Act, s 232A). However, it must be made available to the public as required by the Act, s 232A (3).
Note 2The National Standard for Recycling of Used Cooking Fats and Oils Intended for Animal Feeds is accessible at 2.2.2 Animal feed—pigs
Meaning of prohibited pig feed—sdiv 2.2.2
(1)In this subdivision:
prohibited pig feed—
(a)means any material that contains, or has come into contact with, a mammal or a mammal product; but
(b)does not include the following:
(i)an Australian or lawfully imported milk product;
(ii)tallow;
(iii)used cooking oil;
(iv)a product that has been treated—
(A)using a process approved by the Animal Health Committee; and
(B)in accordance with a biosecurity permit or an interstate biosecurity permit.
NoteThe Act, div 5.1 deals with biosecurity permits.
(2)In this section:
interstate biosecurity permit means a permit issued under a corresponding biosecurity law.
mammal does not include a human.
mammal product means an animal product derived from a mammal.
Offence—feed prohibited pig feed to pigs
(1)A person must not feed prohibited pig feed to a pig.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Offence—possess animal feed containing prohibited pig feed
(1)A person must not possess animal feed on premises if—
(a)the animal feed contains prohibited pig feed; and
(b)a pig is kept at the premises.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(3)Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a)the animal feed is intended for consumption by an animal other than a pig; or
(b)the person holds a biosecurity permit authorising them to feed the prohibited pig feed to a pig on the premises.
Example
a permit authorising the person to feed a pig prohibited pig feed for research or baiting purposes
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (3) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
Offence—supply prohibited pig feed
(1)A person must not supply prohibited pig feed if the person knows, or reasonably suspects, that the prohibited pig feed is to be fed to a pig.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)This section does not apply if the person reasonably believes that the person to whom the prohibited pig feed is supplied holds a biosecurity permit authorising them to feed the prohibited pig feed to a pig.
Example
a permit authorising the person to feed a pig prohibited pig feed for research or baiting purposes
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (2) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
Subdivision 2.2.3 Animal feed—ruminants
Definitions—sdiv 2.2.3
(1)In this subdivision:
restricted animal material—
(a)means animal feed or other material comprised, entirely or partly, of a vertebrate animal or a vertebrate animal product; but
(b)does not include the following:
(i)animal feed produced for supply to—
(A)caged birds other than poultry; or
(B)aquarium fish; or
(C)non-ruminant laboratory animals; or
(D)non-ruminant pets;
(ii)gelatine;
(iii)tallow;
(iv)Australian or lawfully imported milk products;
(v)used cooking oil;
(vi)mineralised sea bird guano.
Examples—vertebrate animal product
1rendered products such as blood meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, poultry meal, feather meal
2compounded feeds made from rendered products mentioned in example 1
restricted animal material statement (or RAM statement) means—
(a)for animal feed containing restricted animal material—any of the following statements:
(i)‘This product contains restricted animal material—DO NOT FEED TO CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, DEER OR OTHER RUMINANTS’;
(ii)‘This product contains restricted animal material—DO NOT FEED TO RUMINANTS’;
(iii)‘DO NOT FEED TO RUMINANTS’;
(iv)‘For non-ruminant use only’; and
(b)for animal feed not containing restricted animal material—the following statement:
‘This product does not contain restricted animal material’.
ruminant means a member of any of the families Bovidae, Camelidae, Cervidae or Giraffidae.
Examples
cattle, sheep, goats, camels, alpacas, deer, giraffes
(2)In this section:
poultry—
(a)means domesticated avian species used for producing food for human or animal consumption; and
(b)includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, squabs (pigeons), geese, pheasants, quails, guinea fowl and mutton birds.
Offence—feed restricted animal material to ruminant
(1)A person must not feed restricted animal material to a ruminant.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Offences—supply packaged animal feed without RAM statement
(1)A person must not supply packaged animal feed if—
(a)the animal feed contains restricted animal material; and
(b)the package does not—
(i)display a RAM statement for animal feed containing restricted animal material; and
(ii)meet the requirements mentioned in subsection (5).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)A person must not supply packaged animal feed if—
(a)the animal feed does not contain restricted animal material; and
(b)the package does not—
(i)display a RAM statement for animal feed not containing restricted animal material; and
(ii)meet the requirements mentioned in subsection (5).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)This section does not apply to packaged animal feed that—
(a)consists only of milk, a milk product or a milk by-product; or
(b)has not been through a manufacturing process.
Examples—par (b)
hay, straw, chaff
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (4) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
(5)For subsections (1) and (2), a RAM statement on packaged animal feed is required to be—
(a)clear, readily legible and prominently displayed; and
(b)printed on a background of contrasting colour; and
(c)printed in lettering that is at least—
(i)if printed on a woven bag—10mm high; or
(ii)in any other case—3mm high; and
(d)if printed on a label attached to the package—printed on a label that is at least 45mm by 120mm.
(6)In this section:
packaged animal feed means animal feed that is contained in a package such as a bag or box.
Offences—supply bulk animal feed without RAM statement
(1)A person must not supply bulk animal feed if the animal feed—
(a)contains restricted animal material; and
(b)is not accompanied by a document that—
(i)displays a RAM statement for animal feed containing restricted animal material; and
(ii)meets the requirements mentioned in subsection (5).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)A person must not supply bulk animal feed if the animal feed—
(a)does not contain restricted animal material; and
(b)is not accompanied by a document that—
(i)displays a RAM statement for animal feed not containing restricted animal material; and
(ii)meets the requirements mentioned in subsection (5).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)This section does not apply to packaged animal feed that—
(a)consists only of milk, milk product or milk by-product; or
(b)has not been through a manufacturing process.
Examples—par (b)
hay, straw, chaff
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (4) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
(5)For subsections (1) and (2), a RAM statement on a document accompanying bulk animal feed is required to be—
(a)clear, readily legible and prominently displayed; and
(b)printed on a background of contrasting colour; and
(c)printed in lettering at least 3mm high.
(6)In this section:
bulk animal feed means animal feed that is not contained in a package such as a bag or box.
Offence—interfere with RAM statement on animal feed
(1)A person must not alter, damage, remove or otherwise interfere with a RAM statement that is displayed on—
(a)a package of animal feed; or
(b)a document accompanying bulk animal feed.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Offence—produce, package or supply contaminated ruminant feed
(1)This section applies if an animal feed business produces, packages or supplies ruminant feed.
(2)The proprietor of the animal feed business must ensure that the ruminant feed is not contaminated with restricted animal material.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)In this section:
animal feed business means a business, enterprise or activity that consists, in whole or in part, of the commercial manufacturing, production or wholesale supply of animal feed.
proprietor of a business means—
(a)the owner or entity carrying on the day-to-day operation of the business; or
(b)if that person cannot be identified—the person apparently in charge of the business.
ruminant feed means animal feed that is intended for feeding to, or consumption by, a ruminant.
Division 2.3 Specific biosecurity requirement—chickens
Offence—Newcastle disease vaccination
(1)A person who owns a commercial flock of chickens must ensure that the chickens are vaccinated in accordance with the Newcastle disease vaccination program.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(3)In this section:
commercial flock, of chickens, means 1 000 or more chickens that are managed as a group.
Newcastle disease vaccination program means the Newcastle disease vaccination standard operating procedures under the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan endorsed by the Animal Health Committee, as in force from time to time.
Note 1The National Newcastle Disease Management Plan does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply to it (see Act, s 232A). However, it must be made available to the public as required by the Act, s 232A (3).
Note 2The National Newcastle Disease Management Plan is accessible at 3Biosecurity events
Meaning of biosecurity event—Act, s 25, def biosecurity event, par (b) (vi)
The appearance of skin nodules on cattle is a biosecurity event.
Part 4Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter
Definitions—pt 4
In this part:
Access Canberra means the business unit known as Access Canberra.
property identification code—see the Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2025, dictionary.
Notifying biosecurity events—Act, s 26 (1)
A person who is notifying a biosecurity event must provide the following information to Access Canberra:
(a)the person’s full name and contact details;
(b)a description of the biosecurity event;
(c)the location of the biosecurity event (if known);
(d)if the biosecurity event is located on a property with a property identification code—the property identification code (if known);
(e)the biosecurity impact of the biosecurity event (if known).
Notifying presence of notifiable biosecurity matter—Act, s 30 (1)
A person who is notifying the presence of notifiable biosecurity matter must provide the following information to Access Canberra:
(a)the person’s full name and contact details;
(b)the name of the notifiable biosecurity matter (if known);
(c)a description of the notifiable biosecurity matter;
(d)the location of the notifiable biosecurity matter (if known);
(e)if the notifiable biosecurity matter is located on a property with a property identification code—the property identification code (if known).
Part 5Biosecurity registration—beekeepers
Division 5.1 Beekeeper registration—definitions
Definitions—pt 5
In this part:
beekeeper means a person who deals with bees.
NoteDeal—see Act, s 10.
beekeeper registration means biosecurity registration to deal with bees.
beekeeper registration number—see section 25 (1).
registered beekeeper means a person who holds beekeeper registration.
Division 5.2 Beekeeper registration—generally
Dealing with bees is regulated dealing—Act, s 88
(1)A dealing with bees, other than an exempt dealing, is prescribed to be a regulated dealing.
NoteDeal—see Act, s 10.
(2)For this section, a person engages in an exempt dealing with bees if—
(a)the person dealing with the bees is registered to deal with the bees under a corresponding biosecurity law; and
(b)any beehive in which the bees are kept is clearly marked with the person’s registration number under the corresponding biosecurity law; and
(c)the person gives the following information to Access Canberra within 7 days after bringing the bees into the ACT:
(i)the person’s full name and contact details;
(ii)the jurisdiction where the person is registered and their registration number under the corresponding biosecurity law; and
(d)the person deals with the bees in the ACT for less than 3 months in any 12‑month period.
NoteIt is an offence for an unregistered person to engage in a regulated dealing (see Act, s 90).
Beekeeper registration decision—registration number
(1)If the director-general approves a person’s application for beekeeper registration under the Act, section 95 (1) (a), the director‑general must allocate the person a unique number (a beekeeper registration number).
(2)A registration decision notice given to a person under the Act, section 95 (4) must include the applicant’s beekeeper registration number.
Beekeeper registration decision—period to decide—Act, s 95 (5)
The prescribed period is the period—
(a)starting on the day the director-general receives the application; and
(b)ending on the latest of the following:
(i)20 working days after the day the application is received by the director‑general;
(ii)if the director‑general requires an applicant to provide additional information under the Act, section 93—20 working days after the day the information is provided to the director‑general;
(iii)if the director-general requires a biosecurity audit in relation to the applicant—20 working days after the day the audit report is given to the director-general.
Register of beekeepers
(1)The director-general must keep a register of registered beekeepers.
(2)The register must include the following information for each registered beekeeper:
(a)the beekeeper’s full name and contact details;
(b)the beekeeper’s beekeeper registration number;
(c)the total number of beehives kept by the beekeeper;
(d)the beekeeper’s purpose for keeping bees;
(e)if the beekeeper is registered to deal with bees under a corresponding biosecurity law—
(i)the jurisdiction in which the beekeeper is registered; and
(ii)the beekeeper’s registration number under the corresponding biosecurity law.
(3)The register may include any other information the director-general considers appropriate.
Beekeeping code of practice
(1)The Minister may approve a code of practice in relation to dealing with bees.
(2)An approved code of practice is a disallowable instrument.
NoteIt is a condition of a person’s registration that they must comply with any code of practice approved under this section (see s 38).
Division 5.3 Beekeeper registration—conditions
Beekeeper registration conditions—Act, s 99 (1) (b)
The conditions in this division are prescribed.
Condition—details must be kept up-to-date
If the information in a registered beekeeper’s application for registration, or renewal of registration, changes during the period of registration, the registered beekeeper must give the director‑general written notice of the change as soon as practicable, but not later than 2 weeks after the change happens.
Condition—beehive must display registration number
A registered beekeeper must ensure that, within 60 days after being registered—
(a)their beekeeper registration number is displayed clearly on an external wall of each of their beehives; and
(b)any previous registration number displayed on a beehive is struck out but remains legible.
Condition—frame hives must be used
(1)A registered beekeeper must not keep bees other than in a frame hive.
(2)A registered beekeeper must not give bees access to honey or honeycomb other than through the broodbox of a frame hive.
(3)In this section:
frame hive means—
(a)a beehive that contains only movable frames that can be separately and readily removed for examination; or
(b)a beehive that contains—
(i)fixed frames in the upper boxes of the hive (the honey‑super boxes); and
(ii)movable frames that can be removed for examination in the bottom box of the hive (the broodbox); and
(iii)a queen excluder immediately above the broodbox that prevents the queen bee from entering the honey‑super boxes.
Condition—maximum number of beehives
A registered beekeeper must not keep more than—
(a)2 beehives on a residential lease that is less than 600m2; or
(b)4 beehives on a residential lease that is 600m2 to 1 000m2; or
(c)8 beehives on a residential lease that is more than 1 000m2.
Condition—beehives near boundary of residential lease
A beekeeper must not keep a beehive within 3m from the boundary of a residential lease unless there is a barrier between the hive and the boundary that is—
(a)impenetrable to bees; and
(b)at least 2m high.
Examples—barrier
a fence, a hedge, a wall
Condition—beehives must not be exposed
A registered beekeeper must ensure that any beehive or other apiary equipment kept by the beekeeper is protected so that a bee from another hive cannot take any honey that is in or on the hive or apiary equipment.
Condition—beehives must be inspected
(1)A registered beekeeper must ensure that each of their beehives is accessible and free from any obstruction that could impede the inspection of the hive.
(2)A registered beekeeper must inspect each of their beehives at least twice each year, at least 4 months apart, for the presence of any declared pest or notifiable biosecurity matter.
NoteFailure to notify the presence, or reasonable suspicion, of notifiable biosecurity matter may be an offence (see Act, s 30 and s 31).
Condition—beekeeping records must be kept
(1)A registered beekeeper must keep the following written records about their beehives and bees (beekeeping records):
(a)if a beehive that contains bees is moved to a different location—
(i)the date the hive was moved; and
(ii)the location the hive was moved from; and
(iii)the location the hive was moved to; and
(iv)the number of hives moved; and
(v)the name of the person who moved the hive;
(b)if a beehive, queen bee or colony of bees is supplied to another person—
(i)the date the hive, queen or colony was supplied; and
(ii)the number of hives, queens or colonies supplied; and
(iii)how the hive, queen or colony was supplied; and
Examples—how a hive, queen or colony may be supplied
sold, given
(iv)the following details of the person to whom the hive, queen or colony was supplied (the recipient):
(A)the recipient’s full name and contact details;
(B)if the recipient is a registered beekeeper—the recipient’s beekeeper registration number;
(c)if a beehive, queen bee or colony of bees is acquired from another person—
(i)the date the hive, queen or colony was acquired; and
(ii)the number of hives, queens or colonies acquired; and
(iii)the location from where the hive, queen or colony was acquired; and
(iv)how the hive, queen or colony was acquired; and
Examples—how a hive, queen or colony may be acquired
purchased, received as a gift
(v)the following details of the person from whom the hive, queen or colony was acquired:
(A)the person’s full name and contact details;
(B)if the person is a registered beekeeper—the person’s beekeeper registration number;
(d)if a beehive that contains bees is lost, stolen or destroyed—
(i)the date the hive was lost, stolen or destroyed (if known); and
(ii)the number of hives lost, stolen or destroyed;
(e)if a beehive is inspected under section 36—the date of inspection;
(f)if a declared pest or notifiable biosecurity matter is found in a beehive—
(i)the date the pest or notifiable biosecurity matter was found in the hive; and
(ii)the nature of the pest or notifiable biosecurity matter; and
(iii)the name and contact details of the person who found the pest or notifiable biosecurity matter;
(g)if a treatment measure is carried out in relation to a beehive—
(i)the date and time the treatment measure was carried out; and
(ii)the nature of the treatment measure; and
Examples—treatment measures
hot wax treatment, irradiation treatment
(iii)the name and contact details of the person who carried out the treatment measure.
(2)A registered beekeeper must keep beekeeping records for 5 years.
(3)A registered beekeeper must, on request, give their beekeeping records to an authorised person.
(4)In this section:
acquire includes buy.
Condition—compliance with code of practice
(1)A registered beekeeper must comply with the requirements set out in—
(a)the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice; and
(b)any code of practice approved under section 28 (Beekeeping code of practice).
(2)In this section:
Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice means the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice published by Plant Health Australia, as in force from time to time.
Note 1The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply to it (see Act, s 232A). However, it must be made available to the public as required by the Act, s 232A (3).
Note 2The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice is accessible at 6Biosecurity registration—goat depots
Operating a goat depot is a regulated dealing—Act, s 88
Operating a goat depot is prescribed to be a regulated dealing.
Goat depot registration decision—period to decide—Act, s 95 (5)
The prescribed period is the period—
(a)starting on the day the director-general receives the application; and
(b)ending on the latest of the following:
(i)20 working days after the day the application is received by the director‑general;
(ii)if the director‑general requires an applicant to provide additional information under the Act, section 93—20 working days after the day the information is provided to the director‑general;
(iii)if the director-general requires a biosecurity audit in relation to the applicant—20 working days after the day the audit report is given to the director-general.
Goat depot registration condition—Act, s 99 (1) (b)
A registered goat depot operator must not operate a goat depot at a place other than a place mentioned in the registration as a place where they may operate a goat depot.
Part 7Biosecurity registration—vaccination
Dealing with certain vaccines is regulated dealing—Act, s 88
(1)A dealing with a vaccine that contains notifiable biosecurity matter, other than an exempt dealing, is prescribed to be a regulated dealing.
NoteDeal—see Act, s 10.
(2)For this section, each of the following is an exempt dealing:
(a)a dealing with a vaccine that contains prohibited biosecurity matter;
(b)a dealing with a vaccine in accordance with—
(i)the agvet code; or
(ii)a permit issued under the agvet code.
NoteIt is an offence for an unregistered person to engage in a regulated dealing (see Act, s 90).
(3)In this section:
agvet code means the Agvet Code of the ACT, under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Cwlth), as in force from time to time.
Note 1The Agvet Code of the ACT does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply to it (see Act, s 232A).
Note 2The Agvet Code of the ACT is set out in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Cwlth), sch (see that Act, s 5 (1)).
Vaccine dealing registration decision—period to decide—Act, s 95 (5)
The prescribed period is the period—
(a)starting on the day the director-general receives the application; and
(b)ending on the latest of the following:
(i)20 working days after the day the application is received by the director‑general;
(ii)if the director‑general requires an applicant to provide additional information under the Act, section 93—20 working days after the day the information is provided to the director‑general;
(iii)if the director-general requires a biosecurity audit in relation to the applicant—20 working days after the day the audit report is given to the director-general.
Part 8Biosecurity management plans
Definitions—pt 8
In this part:
biosecurity management plan means a plan containing reasonable measures to manage biosecurity risks posed by people at premises.
manager, for premises, means a person who carries out a commercial or educational activity at premises.
Biosecurity management plans—preparation and adoption
(1)This section applies if—
(a)the activity carried out at premises involves—
(i)intensive or extensive agriculture or horticulture; or
(ii)processing agricultural or horticultural products; and
(b)a person deals with biosecurity matter or a carrier at the premises.
(2)A manager for the premises may prepare or adopt a biosecurity management plan for the premises, or a part of the premises.
Example—adopting biosecurity management plan
signing on to an industry scheme
Biosecurity management plans—effect
(1)A biosecurity management plan (including any measure in the plan and how accessible the plan is to people entering the premises) may be considered in deciding either of the following:
(a)whether a person knew about a biosecurity risk;
(b)whether a person has taken reasonable steps to manage a biosecurity risk.
(2)This section does not limit how a biosecurity management plan may be considered.
Dictionary
(see s 3)
Note 1The Legislation Act contains definitions relevant to this regulation. For example:
· director‑general (see s 163)
· may (see s 146)
· must (see s 146)
· penalty unit (see s 133)
· person (see s 160).
Note 2Terms used in this regulation have the same meaning that they have in the Biosecurity Act 2023. For example, the following terms are defined in the Act, dict:
· animal
· animal product
· biosecurity event (see s 25)
· biosecurity matter (see s 8 (1))
· biosecurity permit (see s 62)
· biosecurity risk (see s 13)
· carrier (see s 9)
· corresponding biosecurity law
· deal (see s 10)
· declared pest (see s 11 (2))
· move
· notifiable biosecurity matter
· possession
· premises
· prohibited biosecurity matter (see s 33 (1))
· registration decision notice
· specific biosecurity requirement (see s 23 (1))
· supply
· treatment measure.
Access Canberra, for part 4 (Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter)—see section 20.
animal feed, for division 2.2 (Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed)—see section 7 (1).
Animal Health Committee means the Animal Health Committee of the National Biosecurity Committee established under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity.
NoteThe Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity is accessible at or lawfully imported milk product, for division 2.2 (Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed)—see section 7 (1).
bee means a European honey bee (Apis mellifera).
beekeeper, for part 5 (Biosecurity registration—beekeepers)—see section 23.
beekeeper registration, for part 5 (Biosecurity registration—beekeepers)—see section 23.
beekeeper registration number, for part 5 (Biosecurity registration—beekeepers)—see section 25 (1).
biosecurity management plan, for part 8 (Biosecurity management plans)—see section 44.
feed material to an animal—
(a)includes allowing the animal to have access to the material; but
(b)does not include allowing the animal to have access to the material in the following circumstances:
(i)an animal having access to a placenta of a herd mate;
(ii)an animal licking another animal;
(iii)an animal having access to naturally deposited faeces of a herd mate or wildlife;
(iv)an animal having access to a carcass of a herd mate or wildlife;
(v)any other circumstances where it would not be reasonable to prevent the animal from having access to the material.
manager, for premises, for part 8 (Biosecurity management plans)—see section 44.
prohibited pig feed, for subdivision 2.2.2 (Animal feed—pigs)—see section 8 (1).
property identification code, for part 4 (Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter)—see the Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2025, dictionary.
RAM statement—see restricted animal material statement.
registered beekeeper, for part 5 (Biosecurity registration—beekeepers)—see section 23.
residential lease, for division 5.3 (Beekeeper registration—conditions)—see the Planning Act 2023, section 256.
restricted animal material, for subdivision 2.2.3 (Animal feed—ruminants)—see section 12 (1).
restricted animal material statement (or RAM statement), for subdivision 2.2.3 (Animal feed—ruminants)—see section 12 (1).
ruminant, for subdivision 2.2.3 (Animal feed—ruminants)—see section 12 (1).
tallow, for division 2.2 (Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed)—see section 7 (1).
used cooking oil, for division 2.2. (Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed)—see section 7 (1).
Endnotes
About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument AF = Approved form o = order am = amended om = omitted/repealed amdt = amendment ord = ordinance AR = Assembly resolution orig = original ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph CN = Commencement notice pres = present def = definition prev = previous DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously dict = dictionary pt = part disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule Assembly reloc = relocated div = division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No Gaz = gazette RI = reissue hdg = heading s = section/subsection IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law LR = legislation register sub = substituted LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Legislation history
Biosecurity Regulation 2025 SL2025-3
notified LR 17 April 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 17 April 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 15 May 2025 (s 2 and see Biosecurity Act 2023 A2023-50, s 2 (2))as amended by
Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2025 A2025-28 pt 4
notified LR 12 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 12 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 4 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2)Amendment history
Commencement
s 2om LA s 89 (4)
Definitions—div 2.2
s 7def AS 5008 am A2025‑28 s 10
def National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed am A2025‑28 s 11
Offence—Newcastle disease vaccination
s 18am A2025‑28 s 12
Condition—compliance with code of practice
s 38am A2025‑28 s 13
Dealing with certain vaccines is regulated dealing—Act, s 88
s 42am A2025‑28 s 14
Miscellaneous
pt 9 hdgom A2025‑28 s 15
Incorporating, applying or adopting documents
s 47om A2025‑28 s 15
Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical.
Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for R1
15 May 202515 May 2025–
25 Nov 2025not amended new regulation
0
0
0