Biosecurity Regulation 2025 (ACT)

The Biosecurity Regulation 2025 (the regulation) prescribes a set of specific biosecurity requirements, registration regimes and notification and record‑keeping obligations that operationalise parts of the Biosecurity Act 2023 within the Australian Capital Territory. The regulation does this by: (a) defining key terms and exclusions for animal feed regimes; (b) creating criminal offences (mostly strict liability) for certain feed‑related acts, vaccination non‑compliance for commercial chicken flocks, and other breaches, each carrying a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units; (c) prescribing notification fields and the recipient for biosecurity event and notifiable matter reports; (d) prescribing registration, conditions and record‑keeping requirements for beekeepers, goat depot operators and persons dealing in certain vaccines; and (e) authorising adoption and use of biosecurity management plans for premises where agricultural or processing activities occur.

Mechanically, the regulation converts several broad duties and powers in the Act into concrete obligations and compliance mechanics. For animal feed it (i) defines “prohibited pig feed” and forbids feeding, possessing on premises where pigs are kept, and supplying such feed where the supplier knows or reasonably suspects it will be fed to pigs (see s 8, s 9, s 10 and s 11); (ii) defines “restricted animal material” (RAM) and requires RAM statements on packaged and bulk feed, prescribes the text and labelling standards for those statements, forbids interference with RAM statements and forbids feeding RAM to ruminants (see s 12-16); and (iii) makes it an offence for proprietors of animal‑feed businesses to produce, package or supply ruminant feed that is contaminated with restricted animal material (s 17). For poultry it requires vaccination of commercial flocks of chickens in accordance with the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan’s standard operating procedures (s 18). It designates the appearance of skin nodules on cattle as a biosecurity event (s 19). It prescribes the content of notifications to Access Canberra for biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter (ss 21-22).

Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Australian Capital Territory 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

Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 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 www.legislation.act.gov.au): • 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 (www.legislation.act.gov.au). 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).

R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 contents 1 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Australian Capital Territory 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 5 Offences 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

Contents Page contents 2 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 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

Contents Page R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 contents 3 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 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 Dictionary 33 Endnotes 1 About the endnotes 36 2 Abbreviation key 36 3 Legislation history 37

Contents Page contents 4 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 4 Amendment history 37 5 Earlier republications 38

R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 1 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Australian Capital Territory Biosecurity Regulation 2025 made under the Biosecurity Act 2023

Part 1 Preliminary Section 1 page 2 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 1 Preliminary 1 Name of regulation This regulation is the Biosecurity Regulation 2025. 3 Dictionary The dictionary at the end of this regulation is part of this regulation. Note 1 The 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 2 A 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)). 4 Notes A note included in this regulation is explanatory and is not part of this regulation. Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.

Preliminary Part 1 Section 5 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 3 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 5 Offences against regulation—application of Criminal Code etc Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this regulation. Note 1 Criminal 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 2 Penalty units The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.

Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.1 Specific biosecurity requirements—preliminary Section 6 page 4 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.1 Specific biosecurity requirements— preliminary 6 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. Note A 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 7 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.

Specific biosecurity requirements Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Division 2.2 Section 7 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 5 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 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. Note Tallow 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 1 AS 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 2 AS 5008 may be purchased at www.standards.org.au. National 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 1 The 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 2 The National Standard for Recycling of Used Cooking Fats and Oils Intended for Animal Feeds is accessible at www.ausrenderers.com.au.

Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Section 8 page 6 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Subdivision 2.2.2 Animal feed—pigs 8 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. Note The 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.

Specific biosecurity requirements Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Division 2.2 Section 9 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 7 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 9 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. 10 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 Note The defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (3) (see Criminal Code, s 58).

Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Section 11 page 8 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 11 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 Note The 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 12 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;

Specific biosecurity requirements Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Division 2.2 Section 12 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 9 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (iv) Australian or lawfully imported milk products; (v) used cooking oil; (vi) mineralised sea bird guano. Examples—vertebrate animal product 1 rendered products such as blood meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, poultry meal, feather meal 2 compounded 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

Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Section 13 page 10 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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. 13 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. 14 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.

Specific biosecurity requirements Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Division 2.2 Section 14 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 11 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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 Note The 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.

Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Section 15 page 12 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (6) In this section: packaged animal feed means animal feed that is contained in a package such as a bag or box. 15 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.

Specific biosecurity requirements Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements—animal feed Division 2.2 Section 16 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 13 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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 Note The 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. 16 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.

Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirements Division 2.3 Specific biosecurity requirement—chickens Section 17 page 14 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 17 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 18 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.

Specific biosecurity requirements Part 2 Specific biosecurity requirement—chickens Division 2.3 Section 18 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 15 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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 1 The 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 2 The National Newcastle Disease Management Plan is accessible at www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/newcastle-disease-management.

Part 3 Biosecurity events Section 19 page 16 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 3 Biosecurity events 19 Meaning of biosecurity event—Act, s 25, def biosecurity event, par (b) (vi) The appearance of skin nodules on cattle is a biosecurity event.

Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter Part 4 Section 20 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 17 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 4 Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter 20 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. 21 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). 22 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;

Part 4 Duty to notify biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter Section 22 page 18 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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).

Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Part 5 Beekeeper registration—definitions Division 5.1 Section 23 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 19 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 5 Biosecurity registration— beekeepers Division 5.1 Beekeeper registration—definitions 23 Definitions—pt 5 In this part: beekeeper means a person who deals with bees. Note Deal—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 24 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. Note Deal—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

Part 5 Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Division 5.2 Beekeeper registration—generally Section 25 page 20 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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. Note It is an offence for an unregistered person to engage in a regulated dealing (see Act, s 90). 25 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. 26 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;

Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Part 5 Beekeeper registration—generally Division 5.2 Section 27 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 21 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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. 27 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.

Part 5 Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Division 5.3 Beekeeper registration—conditions Section 28 page 22 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 28 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. Note It 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 29 Beekeeper registration conditions—Act, s 99 (1) (b) The conditions in this division are prescribed. 30 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. 31 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. 32 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.

Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Part 5 Beekeeper registration—conditions Division 5.3 Section 33 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 23 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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. 33 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. 34 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

Part 5 Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Division 5.3 Beekeeper registration—conditions Section 35 page 24 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 35 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. 36 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. Note Failure to notify the presence, or reasonable suspicion, of notifiable biosecurity matter may be an offence (see Act, s 30 and s 31). 37 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

Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Part 5 Beekeeper registration—conditions Division 5.3 Section 37 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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;

Part 5 Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Division 5.3 Beekeeper registration—conditions Section 38 page 26 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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. 38 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

Biosecurity registration—beekeepers Part 5 Beekeeper registration—conditions Division 5.3 Section 38 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 27 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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 1 The 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 2 The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice is accessible at www.planthealthaustralia.com.au.

Part 6 Biosecurity registration—goat depots Section 39 page 28 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 6 Biosecurity registration—goat depots 39 Operating a goat depot is a regulated dealing—Act, s 88 Operating a goat depot is prescribed to be a regulated dealing. 40 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. 41 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.

Biosecurity registration—vaccination Part 7 Section 42 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 29 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 7 Biosecurity registration— vaccination 42 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. Note Deal—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. Note It 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 1 The 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 2 The 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)).

Part 7 Biosecurity registration—vaccination Section 43 page 30 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 43 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.

Biosecurity management plans Part 8 Section 44 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 31 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Part 8 Biosecurity management plans 44 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. 45 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

Part 8 Biosecurity management plans Section 46 page 32 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 46 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 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 33 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Dictionary (see s 3) Note 1 The 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 2 Terms 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.

Dictionary page 34 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 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. Note The Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity is accessible at www.federation.gov.au. Australian 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;

Dictionary R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 35 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (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 1 About the endnotes page 36 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Endnotes 1 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. 2 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

Endnotes Legislation history 3 R2 26/11/25 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 page 37 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 3 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) 4 Amendment history Commencement s 2 om LA s 89 (4) Definitions—div 2.2 s 7 def 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 18 am A2025-28 s 12 Condition—compliance with code of practice s 38 am A2025-28 s 13 Dealing with certain vaccines is regulated dealing—Act, s 88 s 42 am A2025-28 s 14 Miscellaneous pt 9 hdg om A2025-28 s 15 Incorporating, applying or adopting documents s 47 om A2025-28 s 15

Endnotes 5 Earlier republications page 38 Biosecurity Regulation 2025 Effective: 26/11/25 R2 26/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 5 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 2025 15 May 2025– 25 Nov 2025 not amended new regulation © Australian Capital Territory 2025

The regulation rests on a set of concrete regulatory building blocks that are designed to translate the Biosecurity Act 2023’s structural concepts into measurable obligations. The principal concepts, and where the regulation defines them or applies them, are:

Specific biosecurity requirement. The regulation explicitly states that any requirement it mentions in relation to biosecurity matter, a carrier or a dealing is a specific biosecurity requirement under the Act (s 6). Non‑compliance with these specific requirements is non‑compliance with the Act’s general biosecurity duty (Act, s 23 as referenced in s 6).
Regulated dealing and registration. The regulation prescribes particular activities as regulated dealings (for example, dealing with bees s 24 and operating a goat depot s 39, and dealing with certain vaccines s 42). Registration processes (beekeepers, goat depots, vaccine dealing) are tied to the Act’s registration decision mechanics (ss 25, 26, 40, 43). The director‑general administers registration decisions and must allocate a unique beekeeper registration number on approval (s 25).
Feed classification and labelling. The regulation creates two key feed categories with operational consequences:
- Prohibited pig feed: any material that contains, or has come into contact with, a mammal or mammal product, subject to listed exclusions (s 8). Feeding prohibited pig feed to pigs, possessing it on premises where pigs are kept (unless specific exceptions apply), or supplying it where the supplier knows or reasonably suspects it will be fed to pigs, are offences (ss 9-11).
- Restricted animal material (RAM): material comprised, entirely or partly, of a vertebrate animal or vertebrate animal product, again subject to enumerated exclusions (s 12(1)). The regulation bans feeding RAM to ruminants (s 13), requires RAM statements on packaged and bulk feed and prescribes text and format requirements (ss 14-15), forbids altering or removing RAM statements (s 16), and requires feed businesses to ensure ruminant feed is not contaminated with RAM (s 17).
Prescribed statements and labelling standards. The regulation prescribes precise wording for RAM statements (s 12(1)) and numeric typographic standards , 10 mm lettering for woven bags and 3 mm otherwise, a minimum label size when the statement is on a label (45 mm by 120 mm), and 3 mm minimum lettering on documents accompanying bulk feed (s 14(5), s 15(5)). These mechanics operationalise the information content the regulator will expect at point of supply.
Notification content and recipient. The regulation prescribes the fields a notifier must provide to Access Canberra for biosecurity events (s 21) and for presence of notifiable biosecurity matter (s 22). Access Canberra is the named recipient for notifications for the purposes of part 4 (s 20).
Beekeeper registration conditions. The regulation sets registration conditions that touch on public health and traceability: hive marking with registration numbers within 60 days (s 31), use of frame hives and restriction on access to honey outside broodbox (s 32), maximum hive numbers on residential leases tied to lot area (s 33), boundary setback and barrier height requirements (s 34), protection against robbing (s 35), twice yearly inspections for declared pests and notifiable matter (s 36), comprehensive record keeping for five years and provision to authorised persons on request (s 37), and compliance with specified national and approved codes of practice (s 38).
Biosecurity management plans. The regulation allows managers of qualifying premises to prepare or adopt biosecurity management plans and makes plain that such plans are admissible when assessing whether a person knew about a biosecurity risk or took reasonable steps to manage it (ss 45-46). This makes biosecurity plans a compliance and evidential instrument, not a standalone licence.
Interaction with national instruments and committees. The regulation ties technical approvals and standards into national architecture: processes approved by the Animal Health Committee (s 8(1)(b)(iv)); AS 5008 and the National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed referenced in definitions (s 7); the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan for vaccination protocol (s 18(3)); and the Agvet Code for vaccine exemptions (s 42(3)). The regulation thus implements national standards and interjurisdictional harmonisation points by reference.
Strict liability and evidential burdens. Multiple offences are designated strict liability (see s 9(2), s 10(2), s 14(3), s 15(3), s 16(3), s 17(3), s 18(3)). The regulation also references the Criminal Code evidential burden provision: where the regulation provides exceptions (for example, s 10(3) and s 11(2)), the defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to those matters (the notes cross‑reference Criminal Code, s 58).

These concepts are concrete and operational. They define behaviours that are either forbidden, regulated (registration), or that create administrative obligations for disclosure, labelling and record keeping. The regulation relies heavily on national standards and the director‑general and Access Canberra as decision and administrative nodes.

The regulation creates obligations and potential offences that will affect multiple discrete groups. Who pays and who decides are set out in the text.

Primary affected groups

Feed manufacturers, packagers and suppliers. Persons manufacturing, packaging, supplying or wholesaling animal feed (termed “animal feed business” and “proprietor of a business” in s 17) must ensure ruminant feed is not contaminated with restricted animal material (s 17). Suppliers of packaged (s 14) and bulk animal feed (s 15) must ensure proper RAM statements accompany product or risk an offence. Suppliers who supply prohibited pig feed knowing or reasonably suspecting it will be fed to pigs commit an offence (s 11). Feed businesses thus bear labelling, segregation, testing/quality control and documentation costs.
Livestock keepers and farm managers. Persons keeping pigs are directly affected by prohibitions on feeding prohibited pig feed to pigs and by possession rules for feed containing prohibited pig feed on premises where pigs are kept (ss 9-10). Ruminant keepers (cattle, sheep, goats, deer, camels, alpacas and others listed as ruminants in s 12(1)) must not be fed restricted animal material (s 13). Commercial poultry flock owners with 1 000 or more chickens must vaccinate under the prescribed Newcastle disease vaccination program (s 18).
Beekeepers, including hobbyists and commercial operators. Anyone dealing with bees in the ACT engages in a regulated dealing unless an exemption applies (s 24(1)-(2)). Registered beekeepers must comply with prescribed conditions in division 5.3 (ss 30-38) including hive marking, frame hive usage, maximum number restrictions tied to residential lease size, inspection and record‑keeping. Unregistered persons engaging in regulated dealings may commit offences under the Act (the regulation notes this in s 24(2) note).
Goat depot operators. Operating a goat depot is a regulated dealing (s 39). Registered goat depot operators must operate only at places specified in their registration (s 41). The operator must apply for registration and the director‑general is the decision maker under the registration provisions (s 40).
Persons dealing in vaccines that contain notifiable biosecurity matter. Those dealings are regulated dealings unless an exemption applies (s 42). Exemptions include dealings with vaccines that contain prohibited biosecurity matter and dealings in accordance with the Agvet Code (s 42(2)). Vaccine dealing registration applications are decided by the director‑general (s 43).
Managers of premises engaging in intensive or extensive agriculture, horticulture or processing. These managers may prepare or adopt biosecurity management plans and such plans will be relevant in decisions about whether a person knew about a biosecurity risk or took reasonable steps to manage one (ss 45-46). Managers who do not adopt or operate a plan may face evidentiary or enforcement consequences if a biosecurity incident occurs.
Suppliers and receivers in animal movements and beehive transactions. Registered beekeepers must maintain transactional records when supplying or acquiring hives, queens or colonies including counterparty details and registration numbers where applicable (s 37). These obligations affect buyers and sellers in the bee trade.

Secondary affected groups and public bodies

Access Canberra and the director‑general. Access Canberra receives notifications and handles administrative functions for registration and notifications (ss 20-22; ss 25-27). The director‑general makes registration decisions and keeps registers (ss 25, 27).
Animal Health Committee and national bodies. The Animal Health Committee is the authorising body for approved treatment processes mentioned in the prohibited pig feed definition (s 8(1)(b)(iv)). National codes and plans (AS 5008, National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed, National Newcastle Disease Management Plan, Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice, the Agvet Code) are referenced and expected to be used (s 7 notes; s 18(3) notes; s 38 notes; s 42 notes). Those bodies’ standards therefore have regulatory consequences within the ACT.
Consumers and nearby residents. The regulation constrains urban beekeeping by imposing hive number limits and boundary setbacks for bees on residential leases (s 33-34) and imposes protection obligations to prevent bees from robbing other hives (s 35). These provisions affect neighbourhood expectations and property owners.

Who decides

The director‑general is the decision maker for registration approvals and allocation of registration numbers (s 25), and the timing for decisions is prescribed (s 26, s 40, s 43). The Minister may approve a code of practice for beekeeping (s 28).

Who pays

Direct compliance costs fall to feed businesses (labelling, segregation, quality controls, documentation), beekeepers (registration, record‑keeping, maintaining frame hives, inspection cadence), goat depot operators (registration and site compliance), vaccine handlers (registration or reliance on an exemption under the Agvet Code), and poultry owners with commercial flocks (vaccination under the national plan). The regulation does not set fees for registration but creates administrative burdens that typically translate into time, equipment and potential third‑party compliance costs (for example, changes in packaging lines to meet RAM statement specifications).

The regulation thus distributes costs and decision authority across private operators, national standards bodies and ACT administrative agencies, and creates discrete incentives for labelling, traceability and vaccination compliance.

The regulation converts the Act’s general biosecurity duty into multiple specific duties, and it also creates rights to administrative processes and limited exemptions. Below are the principal duties and the procedural and limited substantive rights that the regulation creates.

Key duties

Duty to observe specific biosecurity requirements. Section 6 explains that a requirement mentioned in the regulation is a specific biosecurity requirement under the Act. Non‑compliance with any specific requirement is treated as non‑compliance with the general biosecurity duty under the Act (s 6). This creates direct legal obligations rather than mere guidance.
Animal feed duties:
- Do not feed prohibited pig feed to pigs (s 9). This offence is strict liability and carries a maximum of 50 penalty units.
- Do not possess animal feed on premises if the feed contains prohibited pig feed and a pig is kept on the premises (s 10), unless the animal feed is intended for consumption by a non‑pig animal or the person holds a biosecurity permit authorising the feed use (s 10(3)). This is a strict liability offence.
- Do not supply prohibited pig feed if the supplier knows or reasonably suspects it will be fed to a pig (s 11). The supplier is excused if they reasonably believe the recipient holds a biosecurity permit authorising the feed (s 11(2)), but the evidential burden lies on the defendant to raise that matter (note to s 11 referencing Criminal Code, s 58).
- Do not feed restricted animal material to ruminants (s 13).
- Ensure packaged and bulk animal feed displays prescribed RAM statements and meets presentation requirements (ss 14-15). There are detailed formatting, size and prominence requirements (s 14(5)-(6); s 15(5)-(6)).
- Do not alter, damage or remove a RAM statement on a package or document (s 16).
- Animal feed businesses must ensure ruminant feed is not contaminated with RAM (s 17).
Poultry vaccination duty. Owners of a commercial flock of chickens (1 000 or more chickens managed as a group) must ensure vaccination in accordance with the Newcastle disease vaccination program, which is defined by reference to the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan (s 18).
Notification duties. Persons notifying biosecurity events or presence of notifiable biosecurity matter must provide prescribed information to Access Canberra , name and contact details, description, location, property identification code if applicable and the biosecurity impact (s 21), and equivalent details for notifiable biosecurity matter (s 22).
Registration duties for beekeepers and goat depots. Those engaging in regulated dealings must be registered unless an exemption applies (s 24; s 39). Registered beekeepers must keep registration details up to date within two weeks of change (s 30), mark beehives with registration numbers within 60 days (s 31), use frame hives and restrict access to honey appropriately (s 32), comply with maximum hive numbers (s 33), ensure setbacks and barriers near boundaries (s 34), protect hives from robbing (s 35), inspect hives twice yearly at specified intervals for declared pests and notifiable matter (s 36), keep extensive records for five years and provide them on request to authorised persons (s 37), and comply with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice and any code the Minister approves (s 38).
Vaccine dealing registration. Persons dealing with vaccines that contain notifiable biosecurity matter must ensure they are registered unless an exemption applies under s 42(2) (the Agvet Code and dealings with vaccines containing prohibited biosecurity matter) (s 42).

Rights, procedural protections and exemptions

Procedural rights on registration decisions. The director‑general must allocate a unique registration number on approval (s 25) and the regulation prescribes the period for a registration decision for beekeepers, goat depots and vaccine dealing applicants , 20 working days after application receipt, with extensions tied to provision of additional information or audit reports (ss 26, 40, 43). Applicants therefore have a clear, statutorily prescribed decision timetable.
Exemptions and permits. The regulation specifies narrow exemptions: for example, prohibited pig feed does not include Australian or lawfully imported milk products, tallow, used cooking oil, and products treated using processes approved by the Animal Health Committee and in accordance with a biosecurity permit or interstate biosecurity permit (s 8). A person may hold a biosecurity permit authorising a person to feed prohibited pig feed to a pig on premises, which negates the possession offence (s 10(3)(b)). For beekeepers, an exempt dealing exists if the person is registered under a corresponding biosecurity law, the beehive is clearly marked with the other jurisdiction’s registration number, the person notifies Access Canberra within 7 days after bringing the bees into the ACT, and deals with the bees for less than three months in any 12‑month period (s 24(2)(a)-(d).
Right to be registered and listed on a register. The director‑general must keep a public register of registered beekeepers and include specific data points (s 27). Applicants therefore have a right to be recorded on a public register and to receive a registration decision notice that includes the registration number (s 25(2)).
Access to codes and standards. The regulation’s notes indicate certain documents do not require notification under the Legislation Act but must be made available to the public as required by the Act (s 7 notes, s 18(3) notes, s 38 notes). Practitioners have the right to access those documents and to rely on the prescriptive requirements they contain.
Evidentiary consequences and strict liability. Many offences are strict liability (e.g., ss 9(2), 10(2), 13(2), 14(3), 15(3), 16(3), 17(3), 18(2)). For specified statutory defences and exceptions, the regulation makes clear the defendant has an evidential burden to raise the matter (references to Criminal Code, s 58 in notes to ss 10 and 11). This changes the burden of proof at trial in particular ways, as discussed further below.

The regulation therefore combines clear affirmative duties with limited exemptions and administrative rights. Compliance requires demonstrable processes (labelling, inspections, record‑keeping, vaccination evidence) because several offences are strict liability and administrative decision makers (director‑general; Access Canberra) control registration and notification processes.

The regulation attaches criminal penalties to numerous specific obligations and prescribes administrative and evidential mechanisms that affect enforcement. Enforcement is structured around statutory offences (many strict liability), administrative decision makers and reference to national and ACT institutions.

Penalty quantum

Maximum penalty: the majority of offences in the regulation carry a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units (for example ss 9(1), 10(1), 11(1), 13(1), 14(1)-(2), 15(1)-(2), 16(1), 17(2), 18(1)). The republication material records the penalty unit value at the republication date as $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (prefatory material referencing the Legislation Act 2001, s 133). Multiply 50 penalty units by the relevant unit value to convert to dollar amounts at the applicable time.

Strict liability and evidential burden

Strict liability: Several offences are expressly designated strict liability offences (s 9(2), s 10(2), s 13(2), s 14(3), s 15(3), s 16(3), s 17(3), s 18(2)). That designation means prosecution will not need to prove fault elements such as intention or recklessness for those offences; the actus reus is often the focus.
Evidential burden: Where the regulation creates statutory exceptions to liability (for example, s 10(3) exceptions to possession of feed containing prohibited pig feed; s 11(2) supplier belief in the recipient’s biosecurity permit), the notes indicate the defendant bears an evidential burden to raise those matters (see references to Criminal Code, s 58 in the notes to ss 10 and 11). The Criminal Code chapter 2 applies to offences under the regulation (s 5 note). Practitioners must therefore consider both the strict liability designation and the evidential burden mechanics when advising clients or constructing defences.

Administrative enforcement tools and agencies

Access Canberra: The regulation nominates Access Canberra as the recipient for notifications of biosecurity events and presence of notifiable biosecurity matter (s 20, ss 21-22). Access Canberra is the node for receiving event reports and presumably will coordinate further ACT responses.
Director‑general: The director‑general handles registration decisions and keeps registers (ss 25-27). The director‑general also may require additional information and biosecurity audits in the registration process (ss 26, 40, 43). These powers include assessing applicants’ compliance with registration conditions and revoking or imposing conditions as per the Act’s registration regime (the regulation references the Act where appropriate, e.g., s 6 note and s 24 note).
Authorised persons: Registered beekeepers must give their beekeeping records to an authorised person on request (s 37(3)). While the regulation does not list the full exercise of seizure or inspection powers, the Act’s enforcement and authorised person provisions are referenced (see s 5 noting the Criminal Code applies and the Act provides broader powers).

Evidentiary uses and regulatory discretion

Biosecurity management plans as evidence. Section 46(1) makes biosecurity management plans admissible in assessing whether a person knew about a biosecurity risk or took reasonable steps to manage it. The regulation thus gives authorised officers and courts a concrete evaluative tool: absence of a plan, or a plan not followed, would be relevant in enforcement and prosecutions.
Registration conditions and operational limits as enforceable rules. Conditions such as beekeeper registration number display (s 31), frame hives requirement (s 32), inspection and records retention (ss 36-37), maximum hive numbers (s 33) and goat depot operation restricted to registered premises (s 41) are enforceable conditions. Breach of a registration condition may be actionable under the Act’s registration compliance provisions.

Implementation and enforcement risk

Breadth of strict liability offences amplifies regulatory risk for operators who may unwittingly breach technical requirements even absent culpable fault. For example, a supplier who fails to print the correct RAM statement or uses an incorrectly sized label may be liable even if unintentional (s 14(1)-(5)). Similarly, a proprietor whose ruminant feed is contaminated may be liable despite precautions (s 17).
The regulation’s reliance on national documents and approvals (AS 5008; National Standards; Animal Health Committee approvals; National Newcastle Disease Management Plan) may introduce enforcement complexity: the regulator will need to assess compliance with standards that are external documents and may be updated over time. The regulation anticipates this by making many of those documents public and noting the director‑general’s reliance on audits and additional information (s 26 notes; s 7 notes).
Financial exposure varies with entity type because penalty unit valuation differs by corporation/individual under the Legislation Act, and because the regulation ties criminal liability to operational acts (s 5 preface and offence sections).

In sum, enforcement is carried out via criminal sanctions (strict liability offences), administrative decision‑making (director‑general, Access Canberra) and the evidential effect of biosecurity plans and records. Practitioners should note the combination of strict liability with definitional and formatting technicalities that will be central to prosecutions and compliance assessments.

The regulation is explicitly designed to operate as a subordinate instrument to the Biosecurity Act 2023 and to interlock with a number of national instruments, standards and other legislative frameworks. The regulation’s text both references and imports obligations from other laws and instruments, and practitioners must map those cross‑references when advising clients.

Principal Act integration

Biosecurity Act 2023. The regulation implements specific biosecurity requirements under the Act (s 6). It prescribes activities that are regulated dealings under the Act (s 24: bees; s 39: goat depot; s 42: certain vaccines). Registration mechanics and decision timeframes (prescribed period, what the director‑general must do) are backstopped by the Act’s registration provisions (ss 25-27, 26, 40, 43 cross‑reference the Act, s 95 and s 88 as applicable). The regulation’s offences are specific biosecurity requirements whose breach can amount to breach of the general biosecurity duty in the Act (s 6 note).
Criminal Code. The regulation points to the Criminal Code chapter 2 applying to offences against the regulation, setting out the legal context for elements of responsibility, defences and burdens (s 5 note). The regulation also references Criminal Code s 58 in relation to evidential burdens for exceptions (notes to ss 10 and 11).

Interplay with national standards and Commonwealth frameworks

AS 5008. The definition of “tallow” requires rendering in accordance with AS 5008 (s 7(1)). AS 5008 is an Australian Standard that the regulation imports by reference and that will be relevant in compliance and enforcement. The regulation notes AS 5008 does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because Act s 232A applies (s 7 note 1).
National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed. The regulation defines “used cooking oil” by reference to the national standard approved by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and published by the Australian Renderers Association (s 7(1); note). The standard is incorporated by reference for feed exclusions (s 8(b)(iii) and s 12(1)(b)(v)).
Animal Health Committee and National Newcastle Disease Management Plan. The regulation allows products treated using processes approved by the Animal Health Committee and in accordance with permits to be excluded from “prohibited pig feed” (s 8(1)(b)(iv)). The Newcastle disease vaccination program is defined by reference to the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan’s standard operating procedures (s 18(3)). These interplays make national committee approvals and national plans directly relevant to ACT biosecurity compliance.
Agvet Code and Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Cth). Section 42(2) provides that dealings with vaccines in accordance with the Agvet Code, or a permit issued under it, are exempt dealings from the regulation’s vaccine dealing registration requirement. The regulation therefore defers to the agvet regulatory regime for certain vaccine matters.

Other ACT and planning laws

Residential lease definition. The regulation uses the Planning Act 2023’s definition of residential lease to set maximum beehive numbers on residential leases (s 33; dictionary reference). This anchors beekeeping limits to the ACT’s planning framework and lease area calculation.
Legislation Act 2001. The regulation relies on the Legislation Act for penalty unit valuation and for the legal status of notes and incorporated documents (s 5 note; s 7 note; republication preface referencing Legislation Act, s 133 and part 11.3 for editorial changes). The regulation’s republication notes list amendments and commencement dates consistent with the Legislation Act.

Results and practical interactions

Interjurisdictional dealings for beekeepers. The regulation provides an exemption for beekeepers registered under a corresponding biosecurity law if certain notification and labelling conditions are met and the dealing is temporary (s 24(2)). This avoids duplication when interstate registration regimes align, but it creates an administrative notification requirement to Access Canberra within 7 days for imported hives and a three‑month cap in the ACT within a 12‑month period.
Overlap of national technical standards and prosecution standards. The regulation’s enforcement will routinely require assessing compliance against externally maintained standards (e.g., AS 5008). The regulator will need to ensure those documents are publicly available as required by the Act (s 7 note) and may rely on them in enforcement or audit processes.
Evidence and administrative appeals. The regulation prescribes the director‑general and Access Canberra as administrative nodes for registration and notification; appeals and judicial review rights that exist under the Act will therefore be the routes to challenge registration decisions. The regulation itself prescribes periods for administrative decisions (ss 26, 40, 43), so those timeframes feed into availability of merits review or statutory remedies under the Act.

In short, the regulation is a technical instrument that operationalises the Act and intertwines with Commonwealth, national and ACT instruments. Compliance often requires attention to external standards and to procedural obligations around registration and notification.

The republication material included with the regulation sets out the legislation and amendment history and identifies a single amending instrument at the time of republication. Use the history to understand the timing and scope of changes.

Initial notification and commencement

The Biosecurity Regulation 2025 (SL2025‑3) was notified in the ACT Legislation Register on 17 April 2025 (legislation history endnote 3). Sections 1 and 2 (the name and commencement provisions) commenced on 17 April 2025, and the remainder of the regulation commenced on 15 May 2025 (see legislation history endnote 3 referencing the Biosecurity Act 2023 A2023‑50, s 2(2)).

Amendments

Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (A2025‑28). The regulation was amended by the Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (A2025‑28), which was notified on 12 November 2025. The amending Act’s part 4 commenced on 26 November 2025 (legislation history endnote 3). The amendment history endnote 4 lists the sections affected by A2025‑28:
- Definitions,division 2.2 (s 7): the definitions of AS 5008 and the National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed were amended by A2025‑28 (s 10 and s 11 of the amending Act as recorded in the amendment history).
- Offence,Newcastle disease vaccination (s 18) was amended by A2025‑28 (s 12 of the amending Act).
- Condition,compliance with code of practice (s 38) was amended by A2025‑28 (s 13 of the amending Act).
- Dealing with certain vaccines as a regulated dealing (s 42) was amended by A2025‑28 (s 14 of the amending Act).
- Miscellaneous provisions: part 9 heading and section 47 (Incorporating, applying or adopting documents) were omitted by A2025‑28 (s 15) , the amendment history records that the part 9 heading was omitted and s 47 was omitted by the amending Act.

Republication and editorial notes

The republication is labelled Republication No 2 effective 26 November 2025. The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office republished the instrument under its authorised republication process and notes editorial changes prepared under the Legislation Act part 11.3 may be made; editorial amendments do not change effect but are recorded in endnotes (prefatory notes and endnote 1 refer to editorial changes).

What the amendment history tells you for practice

National standards and local rules change: the amendment history shows that definitions tied to national standards (AS 5008; national recycling standard) were actively amended during 2025, which illustrates that the regulation’s technical definitions are live points where national or industry standards can feed into the ACT regulatory regime.
Vaccine and poultry rules adjusted: the amendment to s 18 and s 42 in 2025 shows that the vaccination and vaccine dealing regimes were revisited in the amending Act, which may reflect evolving risk priorities or harmonisation needs with national agvet frameworks.
Removal of an incorporation section (s 47) and a part heading suggests the way external documents are incorporated or applied was restructured by A2025‑28. The regulation’s notes still reference external documents, but the legislative vehicle for incorporation changed in the amendment.
Administrative timeframes remained consistent: the prescribed periods for registration decision-making (20 working days with extensions tied to additional info or audit reports) are present across beekeepers, goat depots and vaccine dealing registration and were not listed as altered in the amendment history endnote summary, indicating a consistent administrative tempo.

Always check the Legislation Register for subsequent uncommenced amendments or modifications. The republished instrument includes endnotes and a cross‑reference table (endnotes 3 and 4) that practitioners should consult for the most recent amendment details.

The republication text does not record any litigation history. The instrument itself contains no annotated cases or judicial decisions, and the endnotes list only enactment and amendment history. There are therefore no cases cited within the regulation’s text or endnotes.

Nevertheless, the regulation contains several features that make litigation risk, evidentiary disputes and administrative review likely focal points in practice:

Multiple strict liability offences. The regulation’s designation of numerous offences as strict liability (e.g., s 9(2), s 10(2), s 13(2), s 14(3), s 15(3), s 16(3), s 17(3), s 18(2)) shifts the likely contours of litigation. Defendants will not generally be able to defend on lack of intention; instead litigation is likely to focus on whether the physical elements of the offence occurred and whether exceptions or defences under the Criminal Code apply. The regulation references the Criminal Code and specifically notes that the evidential burden in relation to exceptions is on the defendant (notes to ss 10 and 11). Disputes may therefore centre on the sufficiency of evidence to discharge that evidential burden.
Label and document formatting disputes. The regulation gives detailed technical specifications for RAM statements (s 14(5)-(6), s 15(5)). Litigation could arise where an operator argues the RAM statement was technically compliant or where a regulator treats a minor typographic variance as constituting an offence. These matters require factually precise expert and documentary evidence, and may involve industry‑standard practices as probative evidence.
Registration decision appeals. The director‑general’s registration decisions are administrative acts and will be amenable to merits review or judicial review under the Act or the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 where applicable. Litigation may occur in respect of registration refusals, the imposition of registration conditions, or the scope of “regulated dealing” designations (e.g., whether a particular activity with bees is an “exempt dealing” under s 24(2)).
Enforcement discretion and proportionality. Prosecutorial and enforcement decisions,for example, whether to pursue a prosecution for a technical breach versus seeking compliance through administrative channels,can be challenged in particular circumstances. Although the regulation does not set out enforcement policy, litigation may address whether enforcement action was lawful or proportionate.
Reliance on external instruments. Enforcement that requires reference to external standards (AS 5008, National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed, National Newcastle Disease Management Plan, Agvet Code) may generate litigation about which version of an external document applies at a particular time and whether the operator complied with that version. The regulation’s notes address availability and the fact that the external documents are not required to be notified under the Legislation Act but must be made available as required by the Act (s 7 notes; s 18 notes; s 38 notes). Disputes may arise where operators claim they could not reasonably access or know of a changed standard.

Because the regulation itself contains no cases, the likely litigation profile is procedural and technical: prosecutions for strict liability offences, administrative reviews of registration decisions, and disputes involving the interpretation of incorporated standards. Practitioners should track the Act’s enforcement provisions and relevant administrative law remedies as the likely judicial vehicles in which these disputes will be resolved.

The regulation contains numerous technical and procedural traps that can lead to criminal liability even where no deliberate misconduct is involved. The following are concrete risk points and specific drafting features that practitioners should flag for clients.

Strict liability offences and evidential burden

Many offences are strict liability (for example ss 9(2), 10(2), 13(2), 14(3), 15(3), 16(3), 17(3), 18(2)). That means a prosecution can succeed without proof of fault. Operators face heightened compliance risk where offences depend on physical facts that can be difficult to control (e.g., contamination of ruminant feed), which increases the need for robust process evidence.
For exceptions that negate liability (for example, a person’s belief that the recipient holds a biosecurity permit under s 11(2), or that feed is intended for non‑pig animals under s 10(3)(a)), the defendant bears an evidential burden to raise those matters (see notes referencing Criminal Code, s 58). Practitioners should instruct clients to retain documentary evidence (permits, invoices, purchase orders, delivery notes) that can discharge this evidential burden.

Label and documentation technicalities

RAM statement format is prescriptive. Package text options are set out in s 12(1) with formatting standards in s 14(5): statements must be clear, legible, prominently displayed, printed on a contrasting background, and at least 10 mm high on woven bags or 3 mm otherwise. Labels attached to packages must be at least 45 mm by 120 mm. For bulk feed, a document accompanying the feed must display the RAM statement in at least 3 mm lettering (s 15(5)). Failure to meet any of these specifications may constitute an offence under s 14 or s 15 even where the content is effectively communicated.
Bulk feed documentation is as important as package labelling. Suppliers of bulk animal feed must ensure a document accompanies the feed with required RAM statements at 3 mm minimum type (s 15). Practical failure to include a compliant document (for example, a missing delivery docket) can create liability.

Narrow exclusions and permit dependencies

Exclusions to “prohibited pig feed” are precise. “Prohibited pig feed” excludes Australian or lawfully imported milk products, tallow (as defined by compliance with AS 5008), used cooking oil (as defined by the National Standard), and products treated using a process approved by the Animal Health Committee and in accordance with a biosecurity permit or interstate permit (s 8). The exclusions therefore require documentary proof (import certifications, AS 5008 compliance records, records of Animal Health Committee approval and permit compliance). Operators relying on an exclusion without documentary proof risk prosecution.
Biosecurity permits are central for some exceptions. The regulation references biosecurity permits as an exemption mechanism (s 8 and note; s 10(3)(b)-(3) example). Operators should secure and retain permits and ensure permit conditions are strictly followed.

Beekeeper specifics

Time limits and notification for interstate registered beekeepers are tight. A beekeeper from another jurisdiction may be exempt from ACT registration only if they notify Access Canberra within 7 days of bringing bees into the ACT and deal with bees for less than three months in any 12‑month period (s 24(2)(c)-(d)). Failure to notify within seven days will remove the exemption and expose the person to regulatory risk.
Hive marking and previous registration numbers. Registered beekeepers must mark hives with the beekeeper registration number within 60 days and strike out previous registration numbers but keep them legible (s 31). Incorrect marking practice can create administrative non‑compliance.
Residential lease limits. Maximum beehive counts are tied to residential lease area (s 33). Practitioners must advise clients to check the Planning Act 2023 definition of “residential lease” to determine entitlement and compliance.

Record retention and inspection obligations

Beekeeping records must be kept for five years and provided to an authorised person on request (s 37). Failure to retain or produce records can be an immediate compliance problem and may undermine a defence that a beekeeper took reasonable steps.

Vaccination program dependency

Commercial flock vaccination requirements reference a national plan. Owners of commercial flocks (1 000+ chickens) must vaccinate in accordance with the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan’s SOPs (s 18(1)-(3)). Defending non‑vaccination by claiming ignorance of the SOPs is risky; operators must be aware of, and document compliance with, the currently applicable SOPs.

Interfacing external documents and versions

The regulation relies on external documents whose versions may change. The regulation notes that certain imported documents do not require notification under the Legislation Act but must be made available (s 7 notes; s 18 notes; s 38 notes). Operators should keep records of which version of the external document they relied upon and when, because enforcement assessments may turn on version continuity.

Administrative timing risks

Registration decision windows are relatively short but can be extended by requests for additional information or audits (ss 26, 40, 43). Applicants should respond promptly to information requests and consider pre‑emptively providing audit reports where feasible to avoid procedural delay that could affect business operations.

In practice, these “gotchas” argue for conservative compliance posture: documented processes, written permits, rigid labelling checks, and a record retention policy that aligns with the regulation’s five‑year record requirement in the beekeeping context and with audit readiness for registration matters.

Compliance with the Biosecurity Regulation 2025 requires operational controls, documentation systems and, in some cases, registration. Below is a practical, section‑linked checklist for the main regulated activities and recommended documentary evidence to create or retain.

Animal feed manufacturers, packers and suppliers

Segregate production lines. Create dedicated processes and, where feasible, separate equipment or clean‑down protocols to prevent cross‑contamination of ruminant feed with restricted animal material (RAM) (see s 17). Maintain process logs showing segregation and cleaning.
Label packaged feed with compliant RAM statements. For packaged feed:
- If the feed contains RAM, ensure the package displays one of the prescribed statements (s 12(1)(a)(i)-(iii) or (iv)).
- If the feed does not contain RAM, display the prescribed negative statement (s 12(1)(b)).
- Ensure the statement is clear, legible, prominent, printed on a contrasting background, and at least 10 mm high on woven bags or 3 mm otherwise; if on a label, the label must be at least 45 mm by 120 mm (s 14(5)).
- Keep photographic records and label proofs for each batch.
Accompany bulk feed with compliant documents. For bulk feed:
- Provide a delivery document that displays the RAM statement in at least 3 mm lettering (s 15(5)).
- Maintain copies of the accompanying documents and delivery dockets.
Control supply of prohibited pig feed. Do not supply feed that qualifies as “prohibited pig feed” to customers when you know or reasonably suspect it will be fed to pigs (s 11). Keep buyer profiles, intended use declarations and, where appropriate, retain buyer permits authorising a specific feeding practice.
Retain origin and treatment evidence. For exclusions under “prohibited pig feed” (s 8), retain import records, proof of Australian origin, AS 5008 compliance certificates for tallow, evidence of compliance with the National Standard for Recycling Used Cooking Oil for Animal Feed for used cooking oil, and permits or approvals if the feed has been treated under an Animal Health Committee‑approved process.
Implement quality control and testing. Maintain testing regimes and contamination monitoring for ruminant feeds, including batch testing and contamination incident logs, to demonstrate reasonable steps were taken (s 17). Retain test results for a reasonable period.

Pork and ruminant keepers

Do not feed prohibited pig feed to pigs and do not keep feed containing prohibited pig feed on premises where pigs are kept unless a permit applies (ss 9-10). Keep supplier declarations for each purchased feed, and maintain storage records demonstrating segregation.
Train staff and document feeding practices. Ensure personnel understand the definition of “feed material to an animal” and the exceptions (dictionary: feed material to an animal includes allowing access but excludes reasonable unavoidable access such as licking herd mates, placenta, carcass access in certain circumstances), so feeding protocols are properly implemented.

Poultry commercial flock owners

If you own a commercial flock (1 000+ chickens), implement and document vaccination under the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan SOPs (s 18). Keep vaccination logs, batch numbers, vaccine batch certificates and records of service by veterinarians or authorised vaccinators.

Beekeepers

Register if dealing with bees. Apply to the director‑general for beekeeper registration as required by the Act and the regulation; once approved you will be issued a unique beekeeper registration number which must be recorded on a registration decision notice (s 25).
Mark hives within 60 days. Display your beekeeper registration number clearly on an external wall of each beehive within 60 days (s 31). If older registration numbers exist, strike them out but keep them legible.
Use frame hives and protect broodbox access. Ensure hives are frame hives as defined (frames removable for inspection, or broodbox with removable frames and a queen excluder to protect honey‑super boxes) and manage access to honey as required (s 32).
Respect hive counts and setbacks. On residential leases adhere to hive limits: 2 hives if lease < 600 m2, 4 hives for 600-1 000 m2, and 8 hives if > 1 000 m2 (s 33). Keep beehives at least 3 m from the boundary of a residential lease unless an impenetrable barrier at least 2 m high exists between the hive and the boundary (s 34).
Inspection and records. Inspect each hive at least twice each year, at least four months apart, for declared pests and notifiable biosecurity matter (s 36). Maintain beekeeping records listed in s 37 (movement dates, transfers with recipient contact details and registration numbers where applicable, acquisition details, loss/theft/destruction, inspection dates, detection of pests or notifiable matter, treatment measures) and retain them for five years. Provide records to authorised persons on request (s 37(2)-(3)).
Adopt or follow codes of practice. Comply with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice and any Minister‑approved code (s 38). Keep records demonstrating compliance with code recommendations.

Goat depot operators

Register and operate only at registered premises. Apply for goat depot registration and ensure operations occur only at addresses listed in registration (s 41).

Vaccine dealers

Check whether the dealing is a regulated dealing. If you deal with vaccines containing notifiable biosecurity matter, ensure you are registered unless you fall within the exemptions in s 42(2) (vaccines with prohibited biosecurity matter or dealings compliant with the Agvet Code).
Retain agvet documentation. If relying on an Agvet Code exemption, keep documentation that the dealing is consistent with the agvet code or a permit under it.

Notification obligations

Prepare notification workflows. Implement procedures to notify Access Canberra of biosecurity events and notifiable biosecurity matter with the prescribed fields (s 21-22). Record who notified, when, and retain acknowledgement or correspondence from Access Canberra.

Biosecurity management plans

Prepare, adopt and use biosecurity management plans. Where premises engage in intensive or extensive agriculture or processing and persons deal with biosecurity matter or carriers on site, prepare a biosecurity management plan (s 45). Ensure it addresses reasonable measures to manage risks and make the plan accessible to people entering premises because the plan’s content may be considered when assessing reasonable steps and knowledge (s 46).

Record retention, audits and decision periods

Keep records for statutory periods. Beekeeping records for five years (s 37). Retain labelling proofs, production logs, test results and supplier/customer documents for at least that duration, and in many cases longer where the Act may require.
Respond to registration requests promptly. If the director‑general requests additional information during registration, provide it quickly because the 20 working day decision clock extends based on the date the information is provided (ss 26, 40, 43). Prepare for biosecurity audits where the director‑general requests them.

Practical evidence for defence and compliance

Maintain documentary trails: invoices, purchase orders, delivery dockets, permits, registration notices, vaccination logs, audit reports, inspection reports and standard operating procedures showing process controls.
Use digital systems for traceability: date/time stamped records, photographic proof of labelling and hive markings, and electronic copies of external standards relied upon.
Seek permits where required: apply for biosecurity permits for research or baiting purposes if feeding otherwise prohibited feeds is necessary (s 10(3) example; s 11 example).
Legal compliance checklists: implement internal compliance checklists mapped to regulation sections, and schedule periodic compliance audits.

Following these measures aligns operational practice with the regulation’s requirements and creates record evidence to support the evidential burdens and statutory defences referenced in the regulation.

Biosecurity Regulation 2025

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Biosecurity Regulation 2025

Source text: opening excerpt

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply