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Alaska Statewide Rule

Alaska Beekeeping Import and Inspection Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alaska (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
AS 03.47
Health certificate
Required for imports
Used equipment
Generally prohibited
Registration
11 AAC 35.010
Agency
Division of Agriculture
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Alaska State Legislature

Summary

Alaska imposes uniform statewide rules on bee importation, equipment, and disease control. Honey bees brought into Alaska require a health certificate, and used beekeeping equipment is generally banned to protect against parasites and disease.

(b) The division shall take action necessary to prevent the spread of bee diseases. Bees or used beekeeping equipment found to contain the causative organisms of American foulbrood (Bacillus larvae) or European foulbrood (Streptococcus pluton) shall be immediately quarantined and treated within five days by (1) chamber fumigation using ethylene oxide or other gases approved by the division;

Source: Alaska State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Alaska Statutes Title 3, Chapter 47 governs bees and beekeeping equipment statewide. Under AS 03.47.020, all bees imported into Alaska must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a qualified apiary inspector confirming the source apiary appears free of bee diseases. AS 03.47.010 prohibits importation of used beekeeping equipment except certified hive boxes used to transport queens or queen cells. The Division of Agriculture handles registration and inspections under 11 AAC 35. Because importation and disease control are state-controlled, municipalities cannot authorize untested bee shipments or used equipment that state law forbids.

Violations & Penalties

Penalties under AS 03.47.035 include fines, quarantine orders, and destruction of non-compliant bees or equipment carrying disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to bring honey bees into Alaska?
Yes. Imported bees must arrive with a health certificate signed by a qualified apiary inspector showing the source apiary appears free of bee diseases under AS 03.47.020.
Can I buy used hives from outside Alaska to save money?
No. AS 03.47.010 prohibits importing used beekeeping equipment, with a narrow exception for certified hive boxes carrying queen bees or queen cells.

Sources

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