Honey
RestrictedBee products are restricted in many countries — declare.
Rules for honey and bee products vary by destination, and the official customs or biosecurity authority at the border makes the final decision.
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What this means
Honey is the sweet substance made by bees, sometimes carried with related bee products like comb honey, royal jelly, or propolis. Because bee products can carry pests and diseases that affect bees, some countries inspect or restrict them, though many allow honey for personal use. Travelers should declare honey and let it be inspected if asked.
What's included
- Liquid or set table honey
- Comb honey (honey still in the wax comb)
- Royal jelly
- Bee bread
- Propolis
- Commercially packaged honey jars
What's not included
- Maple syrup and other plant syrups (packaged food)
- Beeswax candles and cosmetics (cosmetics)
- Live bees or beekeeping equipment (live-pets, soiled-boots)
- Honey-based medicines or supplements (vitamins, traditional-medicine)
Common types & examples
Table honey
Commercially packaged honey for personal use is widely accepted, subject to inspection.
Comb honey
Honey in the wax comb is allowed in some places for personal consumption but may be inspected closely.
Royal jelly and propolis
Bee products are often permitted for personal use but can face extra biosecurity checks.
Raw or local honey
Unprocessed honey may attract closer inspection because of bee-disease risk.
Honey in high-quarantine zones
Some regions (such as Western Australia) apply stricter rules to bee products.
Why it's regulated
Honey and other bee products are regulated for biosecurity, because they can introduce bee pests and diseases that threaten a destination's bees, pollination, and agriculture.
Typical allowance
Many destinations allow honey and related bee products for personal use subject to inspection (for example, the U.S. permits comb honey, royal jelly, and propolis for personal consumption, and the EU allows honey within limits), but stricter rules apply in some high-quarantine areas; check your destination.
Provisional — confirm with your destination
Before you travel
Documents you may need
- Customs/biosecurity declaration form
- Receipt or original packaging showing country of origin
- Import permit (only if required by the destination)
Next steps
- 1.Check your destination's rules on honey and bee products
- 2.Declare honey on your customs/biosecurity form
- 3.Keep it in sealed, commercially labelled packaging where possible
- 4.Allow a biosecurity officer to inspect it if asked
- 5.Check stricter local rules if entering a high-quarantine region
Official sources
- International Traveler: Coffee, Teas, Honey, Nuts, and Spices· USDA APHIS
- Taking animal products, food or plants with you in the EU· European Commission
- Bringing or mailing goods to Australia· Australia DAFF
- Prohibited and Restricted Items· U.S. CBP
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →