Provincial

Beekeeper and apiary registration

Every beekeeper must be registered, and so must every apiary — with no minimum number of hives. Registration lasts two years.

Who issues it
BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Do you need it?

You need it if

  • You keep bees in BC — any number of hives.
Where this comes from

Sources

How to get it

  1. 1

    Register through Premises ID

    Choose “Beekeeper Registration” and estimate how many colonies you usually keep; or call the apiculture office at 1-877-877-2474.

  2. 2

    Watch for two confirmations

    An email with your Premises IDA free provincial number for any place that keeps livestock or poultry, so animals can be traced in a disease outbreak. Farm slaughter licences ask for it.All terms in the glossary within two business days, and a letter confirming the apiary within 5–7 business days.

Where this comes from

Sources

Once you have it

  • Re-register every two years, and add any new apiary locations.
Where this comes from

Sources

Which businesses need it

BeekeepersSelling honey and other bee products.

The rules behind this page

Last checked 5 November 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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