Transporting hives abroad

[LaserA]

Hello all, I have only just discovered this forum and going into my second season with hives. I’ll be moving to the Netherlands, from London, in May and was wondering if it’s possible to bring my two hives with me? Has anybody any experience of bringing their hives to Europe. Is it even allowed, or what needs to be arranged with ferry/customs? Cheers

 

[Poly Hive]

I strongly suspect that selling in London and buying again in Holland is your way forward.

KISS

PH

 

[B+.]

Is it even allowed, or what needs to be arranged with ferry/customs? Cheers

You will need a health certificate from the National Bee Unit (part of APHA). Notification of the livestock movement must also be completed in TRACES but the NBU can advise you about that.
If you intend to transport them yourself, you just need to ensure they are safely contained. Most shipping companies don't like to transport live creatures. To be honest, you're probably much better off acquiring new stock there

 

[LaserA]

That’s what I thought, Its just that I’ve gotten very attached to them!!

 

[For want of a better word]

That’s what I thought, Its just that I’ve gotten very attached to them!!

Give them to someone who will love them just as much as you do and get some more when you move.
Last time I did that... there was a 25 year gap in my beekeeping as I wasfar too busy chasing the dollar around the world to pay for a half decent retirement!!

 

[Ian123]

As above sell them, and don’t be afraid to ask good money. Is the move permanent, you would also be better to get something that’s compatible with what’s in use locally, although with several European companies doing U.K. equipment that may not be such a issue

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Regardless of the paperwork, logistics and hassle, I'm assuming you're on National format, so that will be another issue - getting new or additional (expensive)kit.
Better off selling the bees and hives then buying more suitable and doubtless cheaper hives and bees when you settle over there.

 

[LaserA]

What sort of price should I expect? both hives are maisemore polyhives in brood and a half. I bought as NUcs last year and they have done really well over the winter.

 

[Poly Hive]

Ask £300 and work from there.

PH

 

[For want of a better word]

Ask £300 and work from there.

PH

Each !!

 

[citrus]

What sort of price should I expect? both hives are maisemore polyhives in brood and a half. I bought as NUcs last year and they have done really well over the winter.

where in london are you anyway ? ... not necessarily looking to expand personally but I know a man who might

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Ask £300 and work from there.

PH

Don't forget to add the London premium

 

[Murox]

Totally agree with all thats been said having return to Uk from that area a couple of years back. When you get to NL take a while to go and look at the various hive/frame formats they have available . You will probably find equipment is cheaper generally, although NL prices can be surprisingly expensive.

 

[Ian123]

£300 each as a min.......nucs are £200-£250 plus add hive parts. Not only london premium but Spring premium......now if you wanted to be really clever you could order in a couple of queens and make yourself a couple of packages of bees to take with you....lol

 

[LaserA]

Thank you all for your advice, lots to think about. I’m in se london, new cross to be exact.

 

[Into the lions den]

Thank you all for your advice, lots to think about. I’m in se london, new cross to be exact.

B+ gave you the technically correct advice. On the assumption you want to keep them then they require a health certificate from the NBU, and a movement notice (TRACES) up until we leave the EU. Once we leave we will become a third country an different arrangements will apply.

What you proposed is both perfectly legal and practical....you would be far from alone in doing so. Whilst I never deal in bees on combs plenty do, and they are explicitly permitted.

Getting UK sized kit by mail order in the Netherlands will be no more onerous to get than it is for you now.

I get export certificates for queens I send to other countries, and if you need any further advice PM me. The open forum can be a bruising place if discussing imports and exports.

 

[MartinL]

Surely, all the above posts (quoting current export - import requirements) are pure speculation unless you complete in the next eleven days?

All the UK politicians will tell you that Brexit is going to be extended as they ride the gravy train to the buffers.
However this all depends on our friends in Spain who still had machine guns trained on Gibraltar 5 years after we entered Europe.
I very much doubt they'll be lined up to give Mrs May any extension unless Gibraltar is locked into Europe & given away along with Ulster.

 

[Stiffy]

Surely, all the above posts (quoting current export - import requirements) are pure speculation unless you complete in the next eleven days?

All the UK politicians will tell you that Brexit is going to be extended as they ride the gravy train to the buffers.
However this all depends on our friends in Spain who still had machine guns trained on Gibraltar 5 years after we entered Europe.
I very much doubt they'll be lined up to give Mrs May any extension unless Gibraltar is locked into Europe & given away along with Ulster.

Except that even if May gets her deal through after 3 or 4 votes (strange this is democracy but a 2nd vote isn’t ) there will still be a 2 year transition period when very little will change. I would assume bee imports/exports will be very low on the list of priorities.
S

 

[MartinL]

I’ll be moving to the Netherlands, from London, in May

Before 22nd?