Russian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera russica)
Russian honey bees (Apis mellifera russica) are hybrid bees bred for varroa mite resistance, imported live for sustainable beekeeping operations. They are live Apis bees, falling under tariff item 0106.41.00. Chapter 1 notes do not exclude bees, so they are classified as other live 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 bees are not Apis mellifera or another Apis species
Non-Apis insects are classified under other live insects.
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
• Obtain a CFIA import permit and a health certificate from the exporting country
• Ensure the bees are tested for varroa mites and other pathogens before shipment
• Declare the bees to CBSA and be ready for a potential quarantine inspection
Related Products under Tariff item 0106.41.00
Africanized Honey Bees (Controlled Stock)
Africanized honey bees, selectively bred for low aggression, are imported live for research or controlled breeding programs. They are live insects of the genus Apis, falling squarely within the scope of tariff item 0106.41.00 for bees. This item covers all live bees not excluded by Chapter 1 notes, which only exclude fish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic invertebrates, microorganism cultures, and animals of heading 95.08.
Buckfast Honey Bees
Buckfast honey bees, a hybrid strain known for productivity and gentleness, are imported live for hobbyist and commercial apiaries. They are live bees under the genus Apis, matching the scope of tariff item 0106.41.00. Chapter 1 notes do not exclude bees, so they are classified as other live animals.
Carniolan Honey Bees (Apis mellifera carnica)
Carniolan honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica) are gentle, productive bees imported live for commercial beekeeping and crop pollination. They are live bees of the Apis genus, falling under tariff item 0106.41.00. Chapter 1 notes do not exclude bees, so they are classified as other live animals.
Caucasian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera caucasica)
Caucasian honey bees (Apis mellifera caucasica) are prized for their long tongues and propolis hoarding, imported live for specialized honey production. They are live bees under the Apis genus, matching tariff item 0106.41.00. Chapter 1 notes do not exclude bees, so they are classified as other live animals.
Italian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica)
Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) are a subspecies of the western honey bee commonly imported for pollination services and honey production. They are live bees under the Apis genus, falling under tariff item 0106.41.00. Chapter 1 notes do not exclude bees, so they are classified as other live animals.
Nuc Box of Honey Bees (5-Frame Nucleus)
A 5-frame nucleus colony (nuc) of live honey bees with brood, honey, and pollen, ready for hive expansion, is imported live. The bees are live Apis insects, falling under tariff item 0106.41.00. The wooden nuc box is packaging and does not affect classification, as the essential character is the live bees.