Postal Regulations

Mailing flies within the United States

Drosophila may be mailed within the U.S., although special permits are required to import flies into Hawaii. The relevant postal regulation is found in the Domestic Mail Manual Section 601, which reads:

9.3.7 Bees

Bees are acceptable in the continental surface mail when shipped under federal and state regulations to ensure that they are free of disease. Packages of honeybees must bear special handling postage, except those sent at a First-Class Mail rate. Only queen honeybees may be shipped via air transportation. Each queen honeybee shipped via air transportation may be accompanied by up to eight attendant honeybees.

9.3.8 Other Insects

Other live, nonpoisonous, and nondisease-conveying insects, including flies of the family Drosophilidae, may be sent through the mail when properly prepared for mailing and when shipped under regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Such insects mailed to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia are also subject to the regulations of the destination country.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires Interstate Movement Permits for transgenic Drosophila strains carrying plant pest sequences.