Italian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica)
Live Italian honey bees are a subspecies of the western honey bee commonly imported for pollination services in agriculture and honey production. They fall under HTS 0106.41.00.00 as live bees, specifically within the 'Insects: Bees' category of Chapter 1 for other live animals. These bees are transported in specialized nucs or packages with queens.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If classified as other insects not specifically bees
Bees are explicitly named in 0106.41; other insects like silkworms go to 0106.90, but misclassification could occur if not pure bee colonies.
If dead or processed into edible products
Live bees are Chapter 1; dead insects or honey bee products like royal jelly shift to Chapter 4 for edible animal products.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain a USDA APHIS permit for interstate movement and import; ensure bees are free of diseases like American foulbrood via health certificates
• Use screened packages to prevent escape during transit and comply with state apiary regulations
Related Products under HTS 0106.41.00.00
Carniolan Honey Bees (Apis mellifera carnica)
Carniolan honey bees are gentle, productive bees imported live for commercial beekeeping and crop pollination, especially in almond orchards. Classified under HTS 0106.41.00.00 as they are live bees, distinct from other insects or aquatic animals excluded in Chapter 1 notes.
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. HTS 0106.41.00.00 covers these as live bees for apicultural use, excluding microorganisms or Chapter 95 toys.
Russian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera russica)
Hybrid Russian honey bees bred for varroa mite resistance, imported live for sustainable beekeeping operations. They are classified as live bees under HTS 0106.41.00.00, part of Chapter 1's other live animals excluding fish or cultures.
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. Falls under HTS 0106.41.00.00 as live bees, imported in wooden nuc boxes compliant with ISPM 15 standards.
Buckfast Honey Bees
Buckfast bees, a hybrid strain known for productivity and gentleness, imported live for hobbyist and commercial apiaries. HTS 0106.41.00.00 applies to all live bees, aligning with Chapter 1 notes excluding only specific aquatic or microbial exclusions.
Africanized Honey Bees (Controlled Stock)
Selectively bred low-aggression Africanized honey bee stock, imported live under strict controls for research or breeding. Classified as bees under HTS 0106.41.00.00, ensuring they are live insects not falling under excluded categories.