HS 010649

Live Insects (Other Than Bees)

U.S. imports of live insects (other than bees) (HS 010649) totaled $3.4M in April 2026, traded with 13 countries.

Last updated: April 2026 data

Commercially significant as biological control agents, pollinators, and research specimens, live insects other than bees enter under a heading that the US schedule subdivides to distinguish larvae of leaf cutter bees (0106490010) from other live insects (0106490090). USDA APHIS regulates these imports to prevent the establishment of invasive species, and many shipments require both an import permit and a pest-risk assessment. Canada and Costa Rica lead supply, with Belgium, Israel, and Ecuador also active exporters — a supplier mix that reflects the global greenhouse and biocontrol industry. Correct species-level identification on entry documentation is essential, as misclassification can trigger additional APHIS review or refusal of entry.

Track Live Insects (Other Than Bees) and get alerts when trade data updates

Create a free account to build your watchlist

Create free account

Imports

$3.4M

from 13 countries · YTD: $13.9M

Exports

$1.2M

Deficit of $2.1M (net importer)

Trade balance: deficit of $2.1M (net importer)

YTD: $13.9M imported (April 2026)

98 shipments/month

Top Import Sources

View all

1CANADA$2.9M

Import Trend (12 months)

Monthly import values over time

Geographic Breakdown

CATTLE, LIVE, OTHER THAN PUREBRED BREEDING

HS 010229

$148.0M

SWINE, LIVE, NESOI, WEIGHING 50 KG OR MORE EACH

HS 010392

$33.4M

SWINE, LIVE, NESOI, WEIGHING LESS THAN 50 KG EACH

HS 010391

$29.8M

Suppliers

Supplier Network

Are you a supplier of this product?

Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 010649 — Live Insects (Other Than Bees). Be the first supplier listed.

Trade Tools

HS Code Lookup Trade Balance Calculator All Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

How are live insects used as biological control agents classified under this heading?

Beneficial insects such as predatory mites, parasitic wasps, and lacewings used for greenhouse pest management are classified under 0106490090 (insects, live, NESOI) unless they qualify as leaf cutter bee larvae under 0106490010. Accurate species identification and intended-use documentation help support the correct tariff line and facilitate APHIS permit processing.

Why does Costa Rica appear as a significant supplier of live insects to the US?

Costa Rica hosts a well-developed biocontrol and beneficial insect production industry serving North American greenhouse growers. Its tropical climate supports year-round rearing of species such as predatory insects and pollinators, making it a reliable source alongside Canada and European suppliers like Belgium.