Product classification
HS code for Live bees: 0106.41
Insects, live, bees.
Classification of live bees under HS 0106.41
Live bees are classified under HS code 0106.41. This classification falls under Chapter 1 (Live animals) and Heading 0106, which covers "Other live animals" not included in the primary livestock headings. Within Heading 0106, the system provides a specific category for insects (0106.4x), and 0106.41 is explicitly reserved for bees. This includes all species of bees, such as honey bees used for pollination and honey production, as well as bumblebees used in greenhouse agriculture. The classification is determined by the live state of the insect. If the bees were not live, they would likely be classified elsewhere depending on their use, such as in Chapter 97 for collectors' items. The specificity of 0106.41 allows for the implementation of strict biosecurity measures and health certifications required for the cross-border movement of live pollinators, which are vital for global food security and biodiversity.
- Covers
- Honey bees (Apis mellifera)
- Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)
- Leafcutter bees
- Queen bees in cages
- Bee colonies in hives
- Also under 0106.41
- Koppert Biological Systems (bumblebees)
- Dadant & Sons (queen bees)
- Mann Lake Ltd (package bees)
- various local apiaries
Codes often confused with 0106.41
Common mistake. HS code 0106.49 (Other insects) is sometimes used if the specific bee subheading is missed. More significantly, products of bees like natural honey (0409.00) or beeswax (1521.90) are often confused in documentation, but 0106.41 is strictly for the live insects themselves. Dead bees for scientific study or collections would fall under 9705.21 or similar categories for zoological specimens.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010641 (the code used for live bees), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010641 (the code used for live bees) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 010641, not only live bees.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $21M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $15M 16% of world exports
- 3 Slovakia $15M 15% of world exports
World total: $96M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $18M 21% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $13M 15% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $10M 12% of world imports
World total: $87M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for live bees
Brazil classifies live bees under NCM 0106.41.00: HS 0106.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live bees
What is the HS code for Live bees?
The HS code for Live bees is 010641 (Insects; live, bees). The HS code for live bees is 0106.41.
How do I classify Live bees for customs?
Live bees is classified under HS code 010641 — Insects; live, bees. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are queen bees classified differently?
No, queen bees are classified under the same HS code, 0106.41, as they are live bees.
Which countries are the top exporters of live bees (HS 010641)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010641 (the code used for live bees) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($21M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($15M) and Slovakia ($15M). World exports came to about $96M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of live bees (HS 010641)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010641 (the code used for live bees) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($18M, 21% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($13M) and Morocco ($10M). World imports came to about $87M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Live bees the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010641 for Live bees is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for live bees in Brazil?
In Brazil, live bees (HS 010641) is classified under NCM 0106.41.00.