HS Code for Honey bees

Live honey bees are classified under HS code 0106.41. This code falls within Chapter 1, which covers live animals. Specifically, heading 0106 includes other live animals not specified in the preceding headings of the chapter, such as mammals, reptiles, and insects. Subheading 0106.41 is dedicated specifically to bees. The classification is straightforward as it identifies the biological nature of the commodity. It is important to note that this code applies regardless of the purpose of the bees, whether they are intended for honey production, crop pollination, or scientific research. The Harmonized System prioritizes the living state of the organism for this heading. If the bees were dead or preserved, they would likely fall under Chapter 5 or Chapter 97 depending on the context, but for commercial trade of live colonies or queens, 0106.41 is the definitive code. This classification ensures that veterinary and sanitary controls are applied correctly at the border to prevent the spread of bee-related diseases like Varroa mites.

Products Included

• Live queen bees
• Worker bee packages
• Live honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera)
• Bumblebees for greenhouse pollination
• Live stingless bees

Common Misclassification

Honey bees are often incorrectly associated with heading 0409, which is the code for natural honey. It is a common clerical error to classify the producer (the bee) with the product (the honey). Additionally, dead bees for scientific study or collections should be classified under 0511.99 or 9705, rather than the live animal code 0106.41.

FAQ

What is the HS code for honey bees?

The HS code for live honey bees is 0106.41.

Does this code include the beehive?

If the bees are shipped within a hive, the hive is generally treated as packing material or classified separately under 4421 (wooden) if it has significant value, though often the entire unit is declared under 0106.41 for simplicity if the bees are the primary commodity.