Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the requirements, analytical methods, and harvesting, straining, packaging, labelling, marking, storage and transportation conditions for stingless bees honey.

This document is applicable to stingless bees honey collected from honey pots.

It does not apply to honey from Apis species and stingless bees honey blended with honey from Apis Species.

Purpose

a) Global Importance of Stingless Bees Honey:

Stingless bees honey, holds significant importance globally due to its unique properties, environmental benefits, and role in sustainable agriculture. Its rising popularity is a result of increasing recognition of its health, cultural, economic, and ecological value. Below is an elaboration of its global importance:

• Stingless bees honey is rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to its status as a functional food and natural remedy. Stingless bees honeys contain higher levels of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and meliponic acid compared to Apis honey, providing potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

• Naturally lower in sucrose, making it a healthier choice for consumers conscious of sugar intake.

• Stingless bees honey has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across various regions, symbolizing its deep cultural roots and historical importance in wound healing, treatment of respiratory infections, and digestive health.

• Modern studies confirm its antibacterial activity, including effectiveness against antibiotic resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

b) Biodiversity Conservation: Beekeeping promotes the preservation of natural habitats; as stingless bees thrive in biodiverse ecosystems. Unlike industrialized Apis beekeeping, stingless bees are less invasive and coexist harmoniously with native species.

c) Economic Impact and Sustainable Livelihoods: Stingless bee honey production is an emerging industry that offers significant economic benefits, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. Stingless bees honeys command premium prices due to its rarity, with prices often ranging between $50–$100 per liter in global markets. Smallholder farmers and indigenous communities benefit from stingless beekeeping, as it requires low initial investment and produces honey with high market value.

d) Programmes in countries like Malaysia, Brazil, and Australia are promoting stingless bee farming as a tool for rural development and poverty alleviation. Investing in the stingless bee honey industry not only generates income but also empowers marginalized communities, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. By supporting stingless beekeeping, producers contribute to ecosystem stability and sustainable agriculture, aligning with global goals for environmental protection.

e) In relation to stingless bees honey; a substantive research and innovation has been undertaken related to authentication. Development of an International Standard will help in marketing of authenticated stingless bee honey at premium prices.

f) To establish global quality and safety standards for stingless bees’ honey.

g) To protect consumers and promote fair trade practices.

h) To enhance market opportunities for stingless bee honey producers.

Reference to the 5th Plenary Meeting of ISO/TC 34/ SC19, “Bee Products” held on 10-11 February 2025 in hybrid mode.

Resolution N 16New Proposal of “Stingless Bee Honey”

ISO TC 34/SC 19 is interested in this proposal and asks the proposer updates the documents according to the concerns from the members. A new work item ballot will be launched after BIS confirms this proposal with Form 4 and the draft.