Now that Small Hive Beetle (SHB) has been found in Europe, member states have the power to bring in legislation to protect their resident bees, and their beekeepers, from SHB. Member states can now ban the importation of the following agents of spread:
- Honey bees – package bees and queen bees;
- Bumble bees;
- Honeycomb – also known as comb-honey;
- Unprocessed beeswax.
The legislation is in Article 36 of the EU Treaty.
I used to have a link here which would allow you to read the entire treaty but that link died and I’m damned if I can find another. However, you can quiz google as well as I can or the relevant portions are posted below.
Basically, Articles 34 and 35 tell you what member states can’t do. Article 36 tells you what they can do.
CHAPTER 3 – PROHIBITION OF QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS BETWEEN MEMBER STATES
Article 34
Quantitative restrictions on imports and all measures having equivalent effect shall be prohibited between Member States.
Article 35
Quantitative restrictions on exports, and all measures having equivalent effect, shall be prohibited between Member States.
Article 36
The provisions of Articles 34 and 35 shall not preclude prohibitions or restrictions on imports, exports or goods in transit justified on grounds of public morality, public policy or public security; the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants; the protection of national treasures possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value; or the protection of industrial and commercial property. Such prohibitions or restrictions shall not, however, constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between Member States.
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