Italian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) from China

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.

Duty Rate — China → United States

17.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)

Import Tips

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