Apiculture Factsheet #002

Importing Queens and Packaged  Bees

Canadian beekeepers can import queens and packaged bees from several approved sources. All bee imports into Canada require a federal Import Permit.

Approved sources include:

• Queens - New Zealand, Australia, Chile, California
• Packages - New Zealand, Australia

Import Permits must be applied for and can be obtained from:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency,
Room 220, 4 Ave SE,
Calgary, AB  T2G 4X3
Ph. 403 292-5828
Fx. 403 292-6629

Information about obtaining an Import Permit can also be found on the internet:
www.inspection.gc.ca (Animals/Imports of Animals and Animal Products/Automated Import Reference System/find Commodity (type in "bees")/choose Honey Bees-Packaged or Honey Queen Bees/choose Continent, Country and State of origin).

Be aware that Import Permits involve a fee, regardless of the size of the order. For smaller shipments, it may be far cheaper to order through Beekeeper Suppliers or group purchase.

When ordering bees from Australia and New Zealand, plan for the earliest possible date of arrival. Earlier shipments tend to be of better quality and queens adjust better than late shipments.

When queens or packages are needed later in the spring, consider purchasing good quality queens from local breeders. For a list of members of the BC Bee Breeders Association see www.bcbeekeepers.com

05/08