Italian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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