The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has reminded the public, importers, retailers and businesses that the importation and sale of overseas honey and certain bee products in Samoa remain prohibited.
The Ministry said the restriction is enforced under the Bee and Bee Products Prohibition Order 1999 and the Quarantine (Biosecurity) Act 2005.
The public notice follows information received by the Ministry about imported honey products being promoted and sold through online platforms and other commercial channels.
According to the Ministry, honey and bee products may only be brought into Samoa when specifically authorised under the country’s biosecurity legislation.
The prohibition includes honey, comb honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax and other bee-derived products. It also covers products containing unprocessed bee materials that may present a biosecurity risk.
The Ministry said Samoa remains free from many serious bee pests and diseases affecting honey industries in other countries.
It warned that the introduction of foreign pests or diseases through imported honey or other bee products could have serious and long-term effects on Samoa’s agriculture, environment, food security and economy.
Healthy bee populations play an important role in pollinating crops, supporting food production, maintaining biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods of local beekeepers.
Biosecurity Samoa continues to inspect passengers, cargo, mail and imported goods to prevent prohibited bee products from entering the country.
The Ministry warned that anyone found importing, possessing for commercial sale or otherwise dealing with prohibited bee products may face enforcement action, including the seizure of goods, prosecution and other penalties provided by law.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected importation, sale or distribution of imported honey or other prohibited bee products.
Reports can be made to Biosecurity Samoa by telephone on 20924 or 22171, or by email at [email protected].
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries public notice.
