Importation of Bees Order 1997 (S.I. No. 310 of 1997).

Subject to the exemptions provided in articles 4, 5 and 6, the importation of bees or bee pests into Great Britain is prohibited. The responsible Minister may issue general licences exempting the importation of bees or bee pests from the prohibition A licence issued (a) shall be published in such manner as the responsible Minister may decide; (b) shall authorize generally the importation of bees or bee pests from any country named in it; (c) may be issued subject to conditions which may be varied from time to time; and (d) may be suspended or revoked at any time. The responsible Minister, or any person authorized by him for the purpose, may issue specific licences exempting the importation of bees or bee pests from the prohibition. A specific licence (a) shall be issued to a named person; (b) shall be valid for a specified period not exceeding three years; (c) shall specify the country or countries from which bees or bee pests may be imported; and (d) may be issued subject to conditions, which may be varied from time to time. Specific licences are valid for a specified period not exceeding three years (art. 6). Article 7 sets out the procedure to be followed before a specific licence is suspended or revoked.