Sec. 131.041. PERMIT FOR IMPORTATION. (a) A person may not ship or cause to be shipped bees or equipment into this state unless the person has a permit issued by the chief apiary inspector authorizing the shipment.

(b) A person may apply for a permit under this section by filing an application with the inspector before the 10th day preceding the date of the shipment. An application for a permit must include:

(1) a complete description of the shipment;

(2) the destination of the shipment;

(3) the approximate date of the shipment;

(4) the names and addresses of the consignor and consignee; and

(5) a certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are to be shipped.

(c) A certificate of inspection for a permit required by Subsection (b)(5) of this section must certify that the bees or equipment are apparently free from disease based on an actual inspection conducted not more than 12 months before the date of the shipment. If the bees or equipment are to be shipped into this state from a state, territory, or country that does not have an official apiary inspector or entomologist, the person shipping the bees or equipment may provide other suitable evidence that the bees and equipment are free from disease.

(d) If a person files an application in accordance with Subsection (b) of this section and the inspector is satisfied that the shipment does not pose a threat to disease control in the beekeeping industry, the inspector shall issue a permit authorizing the shipment.

(e) This section does not apply to a shipment of live bees in wire cages without combs or honey.

Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1884, ch. 350, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1983; Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 418, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.