Code of Massachusetts Regulations
330 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Title 330 CMR 8.00 - Apiary Inspection Regulations
Section 8.02 - Movement of Honey Bees and Certificates

(1) Any Beekeeper or Supplier intending to transport any Colony, Hive, Package, Comb, or used beekeeping equipment occupied or used by Honey Bees into the Commonwealth shall notify the Chief Apiary Inspector, either in writing, or by telephone message to the number designated by the Department, no less than two business days prior to bringing such materials into the Commonwealth and shall provide destination information of materials within the Commonwealth. The destination shall include, but shall not be limited to, the location of sale, or area where Honey Bees are held prior to final destination.

(2) Any Beekeeper or Supplier transporting any Colony, Hive, Package, Comb, or used beekeeping equipment occupied or used by Honey Bees into the Commonwealth for purposes of commercial sale must keep records regarding the sale of such items. Records must include at a minimum:

(3) Records must be kept for at least three years and be made available to the Department upon reasonable request. Records may be kept in either electronic or hard copy.

(4) Any Colony, Hive, Package, Comb, or used beekeeping equipment occupied or used by Honey Bees transported into the Commonwealth must be accompanied by a Certificate. The Certificate must state that a health inspection has been performed within 60 days prior to transport when the Honey Bees are actively rearing Brood or of Comb in used beekeeping equipment not currently occupied or used by Honey Bees. A copy of the Certificate must be provided to the Department. Unless otherwise determined by the Department, the Certificate must list at a minimum that the Colony, Hive, Package, Comb or used beekeeping equipment is free from the following health issue listed at the time of such inspection: American Foulbrood.

(5) Any Hive component with the exception of Supers and new equipment moved into or within the Commonwealth shall be covered with wire mesh, screen, or netting to prevent loss of Honey Bees during transit, between sunrise and sunset and when temperatures are greater than 45EF.

(6) All Hives and Supers moved into or kept within the Commonwealth by a Beekeeper shall be clearly marked with the name of the Beekeeper or Apiary, either inside, or outside, to be easily found by the Department.