Yes, beekeeping is legal in Brazil but subject to federal, state, and municipal regulations. The activity is permitted under the Lei de Proteção à Fauna (Law No. 5.197/1967) and Código Florestal (Forest Code), provided it complies with environmental and sanitary standards. Recent 2026 updates by the Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária (MAPA) emphasize apiary registration and disease control, particularly for Apis mellifera and native stingless bees (Meliponini). Violations may trigger fines or apiary seizure under IBAMA oversight.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Brazil
- Federal Registration: All beekeepers must register apiaries with MAPA via the Sistema de Defesa Agropecuária (SDA) before operation. Failure to register risks penalties under Decreto 4.851/2003.
- State-Specific Permits: Some states (e.g., São Paulo, Paraná) require additional authorization from environmental agencies (CETESB, IAP) for apiary placement near protected areas or urban zones.
- Native Bee Protection: Harvesting or transporting native stingless bees (e.g., Melipona scutellaris) demands prior consent from IBAMA or state biodiversity boards, per Instrução Normativa MMA No. 20/2017.
Local ordinances may impose further restrictions, such as buffer zones near schools or hospitals. Non-compliance with sanitary protocols (e.g., Norma Regulamentadora MAPA No. 18/2023) can lead to apiary quarantine or destruction. Consult municipal Secretarias de Meio Ambiente for zoning laws, as rural properties often face fewer constraints than urban plots.