| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4501100000 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Bee
A bee is an insect of the order Hymenoptera, known for its role in pollination and production of honey and beeswax. Bees are closely related to wasps and ants, and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Material & Composition
Bees’ bodies are composed of three main sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Their exoskeleton is made of chitin. Key materials produced by bees include:
- Honey: A sweet, viscous fluid made from the nectar of flowers, primarily composed of fructose and glucose.
- Beeswax: A waxy substance secreted by worker bees, composed of fatty acids, esters, and hydrocarbons. Used in honeycomb construction.
- Pollen: Collected from flowers, used as a protein source for bee larvae.
- Propolis: A resinous mixture collected from tree buds, used as a sealant and antimicrobial agent in the hive.
- Royal Jelly: A milky secretion produced by worker bees, used to feed the queen bee and larvae.
Purpose
Bees serve several critical purposes:
- Pollination: The primary ecological role of bees, transferring pollen between plants, enabling reproduction. This is vital for agriculture and biodiversity.
- Honey Production: A food source for bees and a valuable product for humans.
- Beeswax Production: Used in a variety of applications, including candles, cosmetics, and industrial processes.
- Ecosystem Health: Bees contribute to the overall health and stability of ecosystems.
Function
Bees function as social insects, with complex colony structures:
- Queen Bee: The sole reproductive female, responsible for laying eggs.
- Worker Bees: Sterile females that perform all other tasks in the hive, including foraging, nursing larvae, building honeycomb, and defending the hive.
- Drone Bees: Male bees whose primary function is to mate with the queen.
Bees communicate through pheromones and dances (e.g., the waggle dance) to convey information about food sources and hive conditions.
Usage Scenarios
- Agriculture: Bees are used commercially for pollination of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Apiculture (Beekeeping): Raising bees for honey, beeswax, pollen, and other products.
- Ecosystem Restoration: Introducing bee colonies to areas to improve pollination and plant diversity.
- Scientific Research: Bees are studied for their social behavior, communication, and pollination efficiency.
- Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals: Honey, beeswax, and propolis are used in various health and beauty products.
Common Types
- Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera): The most common species used in commercial beekeeping. Several subspecies exist, including Italian, Carniolan, and Buckfast bees.
- Bumble Bee (Bombus): Large, fuzzy bees known for their efficient pollination of certain crops.
- Mason Bee (Osmia): Solitary bees that are excellent pollinators of fruit trees.
- Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa): Large bees that nest in wood.
- Sweat Bee (Halictidae): Small bees attracted to perspiration.
- Africanized Honey Bee (“Killer Bee”): A hybrid of European and African honey bees, known for their aggressive behavior.
According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'bee' are limited, with only the following 1 found.
- 4501100000: Natural cork, raw or simply prepared.
- Chapter 45: Cork and cork articles. This chapter covers natural cork and articles thereof.
- Heading 4501: Cork, natural or agglomerated. This heading specifically covers natural cork, whether raw or simply prepared.
- Subheading 450110: Raw or simply prepared. This subheading denotes natural cork that has not undergone significant processing beyond cleaning or sorting.
The applicable tax rates are as follows: a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025. The total tax rate is 55.0%.