Characteristics of Hives and Materials used in Beekeeping

5.9.35 The hives must be made basically of natural materials presenting no risk of contamination to the environment or the apiculture products.

5.9.36 With the exception of products mentioned in paragraph 5.9.22 (d) in the hives can be used only natural products such as propolis, wax and plant oils.

5.9.37 The beeswax for new foundations must come from organic production units.  During the conversion period the wax shall be replaced by organically produced wax.  Where no prohibited products have been previously used in the hive and there is no risk of contamination of wax, replacement wax is not necessary.  In cases where all the wax cannot be replaced during a one-year period, the conversion period may be extended with the approval of AsureQuality.

5.9.38 The use of combs, which contain broods, is prohibited for honey extraction.

5.9.39 For the purposes of protecting materials (frames, hives and combs) in particular from pests, only appropriate products listed in Section 10 Table 2 are permitted.

5.9.40 Physical treatments such as stream or direct flame are permitted.

5.9.41 For pest and disease control and for hive disinfection the following products may be allowed:

• Caustic soda
• Lactic, oxalic, acetic acid
• Formic acid
• Sulphur
• Etheric oils
• Bacillus thuringiensis
5.9.42 In cases of Parallel Production AsureQuality will ensure
- that the documentation regarding the production  or processing, storage and sales is well managed and makes clear distinctions between certified and non-certified products.
- The measures taken to safeguard against the risk to the organic integrity is understood at all levels of the operation
- Accurate production estimates are recorded and shall be checked against sales records
- The inspection includes visits to the non-organic areas
- Inspections shall occur more frequently than once per year and at critical times. This shall normally include inspection at the time of harvest or during processing.