Technically they were correct - the US can import from New Zealand, but yes its quite protected: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-

Technically they were correct - the US can import from New Zealand, but yes its quite protected: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/permits/plant-pests/bees/honeybees-other https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import... Germplasm (which I think is used to artificially inseminate queens) does seem less restricted: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/permits/plant-pests/bees/ct_honeybee_germplasm https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import...