EXPORTING HONEY

Exporting Honey: A Guide for South African Beekeepers

This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.

Exporting honey can be a profitable way to grow your business beyond local markets although the demand in South Africa is so high that you do not need to export.

South African honey is respected for its quality and floral diversity, and there’s growing international demand for raw, unfiltered honey.

However, export comes with strict regulations and logistical requirements.

Is Your Honey Export-Ready?

Before considering export:

• Can you produce consistent volume each season?
• Are your packaging, labelling, and hygiene standards compliant?
• Can you meet traceability and documentation requirements?

✅ Export is best suited to beekeepers producing 500kg or more annually.

Step 1: Understand Export Regulations

Required by Law:

• Register with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
• Obtain a Certificate of Export Compliance.
• Comply with SABS honey standards for quality, moisture, and purity.

Traceability Requirements:

• Maintain harvest records
• Label with batch codes and dates
• Keep lab test results for each batch

✅ Organic or wild-flower declarations may need supporting evidence.

Step 2: Get Laboratory Testing Done

Some buyers and countries require lab tests for:

• Moisture content (below 20%)
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) levels
• Pesticide and antibiotic residues
• Pollen analysis (for floral source confirmation)

Approved labs include:

• ARC – Agricultural Research Council
• Intertek
• Eurofins

Step 3: Choose Your Export Market

Popular destinations for SA honey:

• Germany and the EU – strict compliance, high prices for raw honey
• United Arab Emirates – demand for premium natural products
• Asia (Japan, Singapore) – interest in honey with health claims

Each market has different documentation and customs rules.

✅ Research import duties, labeling laws, and certifications for each country.

Step 4: Packaging and Labelling for Export

• Use food-safe, sealed packaging (glass or plastic)
• Print labels in English and/or the target country’s language
• Include:
  • Product name
  • Net weight
  • Country of origin: Product of South Africa
  • Producer name and contact
  • Batch number
  • “Best before” date

✅ Some buyers prefer bulk (buckets or drums) and do their own packaging.

Step 5: Work with an Export Agent or Distributor

You can:

• Sell directly to international buyers
• Work with an export agent who handles paperwork, shipping, and clearance
• Join a co-op or collective that exports honey on behalf of multiple beekeepers

Step 6: Choose a Freight Method

• Air freight – fast but expensive (good for samples or small orders)
• Sea freight – affordable for bulk honey (longer lead time)
• Work with courier partners who offer customs clearing

✅ Always insure your shipment against damage or loss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No food safety or export registration
• No traceability records or batch labels
• Sending honey with high moisture content (leads to spoilage)
• Using non-compliant packaging or missing documentation

Resources

• DALRRD export requirements
• SABS honey standards
• South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO)

Downloadable Checklist

Click here to download a honey export preparation checklist (Coming soon!)

Final Thoughts

Exporting honey is a long-term investment that requires planning, consistency, and paperwork. But if done right, it opens access to high-paying markets and international brand growth. Start small, meet the standards, and grow with confidence.