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Exporting live bees

Live bees (bees, queen bees, bumblebees, and their larvae) can be exported to overseas markets. Most shipments go to Canada, but other destinations are emerging as markets. Bees are usually exported in 1kg packages, each containing about 10,000 bees and one queen. MPI's role is to help exporters meet the requirements of overseas markets.

In this section

I tēnei wāhanga

Exporter responsibilities

When exporting products from New Zealand you're responsible for:

  • ensuring your products meet New Zealand standards
  • complying with the destination country's eligibility requirements
  • reporting non-conformances to MPI – for example, if your products are no longer fit for their intended purpose or have been refused entry by the destination country
  • keeping the right records.

Who to contact

If you have questions about exporting live bees, email animalexports@mpi.govt.nz.