Carniolan Honey Bees (Apis mellifera carnica)
Live Carniolan honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica), a gentle and productive subspecies, imported for commercial beekeeping and crop pollination. These live bees fall under tariff item 0106.41.00, which covers all bees, and are not excluded by Chapter 1 notes (which exclude fish, crustaceans, microorganism cultures, and heading 95.08 animals).
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the shipment includes non-Apis insects (e.g., pollinators like bumblebees)
This item covers other live insects, while 0106.41.00 is specific to bees.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Secure a CFIA import permit before shipping, as live bees are regulated under the Health of Animals Regulations
• Arrange for a customs broker to handle the entry declaration and ensure all fees are paid
• Coordinate with the airline to ensure the bees are not left on the tarmac during extreme weather
Related Products under Tariff item 0106.41.00
Africanized Honey Bees (Controlled Stock)
Live Africanized honey bees, selectively bred for low aggression, imported for research or controlled breeding programs. These are live insects of the genus Apis, falling squarely within tariff item 0106.41.00 for bees, and are not excluded by Chapter 1 notes (which exclude fish, crustaceans, microorganism cultures, and heading 95.08 animals).
Buckfast Honey Bees
Live Buckfast honey bees, a hybrid strain known for productivity and gentleness, imported for hobbyist and commercial apiaries. As live bees of the genus Apis, they are classified under tariff item 0106.41.00, which covers all bees, and are not excluded by Chapter 1's legal notes.
Caucasian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera caucasica)
Live Caucasian honey bees (Apis mellifera caucasica), known for long tongues and propolis hoarding, imported for specialized honey production. These live bees are classified under tariff item 0106.41.00, which covers all bees, and are not excluded by Chapter 1's legal notes.
Italian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica)
Live Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica), a subspecies of the western honey bee, imported for pollination services and honey production. These live bees fall under tariff item 0106.41.00, which covers all bees, and are not excluded by Chapter 1 notes (which exclude fish, crustaceans, microorganism cultures, and heading 95.08 animals).
Nuc Box of Honey Bees (5-Frame Nucleus)
A 5-frame nucleus colony (nuc) of live honey bees, including brood, honey, and pollen, ready for hive expansion. This is a live bee product classified under tariff item 0106.41.00, which covers all bees, and is not excluded by Chapter 1's legal notes. The wooden nuc box is incidental packaging.
Package Bees with Queen (3 lb)
A standard 3-pound package of live honey bees, including a mated queen, imported for starting new hives in apiaries. These live bees are classified under tariff item 0106.41.00, which covers all bees, and are not excluded by Chapter 1 notes (which exclude fish, crustaceans, microorganism cultures, and heading 95.08 animals).