Compliance & Regulations Hub
Shipping rules, legal species, licensing, and import/export guidance for insect breeders and buyers — organized by country. Select a country below to see the key regulations.
United States
Insect keeping and feeder breeding are widespread in the USA, but shipping live invertebrates is regulated at both the federal and state level. Always confirm whether a species can legally enter the destination state before shipping.
Dubia roaches are legal to keep and ship in most states, but individual state restrictions apply.
State Shipping Restrictions
- Rules vary state by state — a species that is legal in one state may require a permit, or be prohibited, in another.
- Florida requires permits for many arthropods and invertebrates. Confirm Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) requirements before shipping there.
- Before shipping, ask: “Can I legally ship species X into state Y?” and verify with that state’s Department of Agriculture.
Federal Rules (USDA / APHIS)
- The USDA (APHIS) regulates the interstate movement and importation of live insects and other invertebrates, often via PPQ permits (e.g. Form 526).
- Non-native, agricultural-pest, or plant-feeding species are the most heavily regulated and typically require a federal permit.
Practical Guidance
- Keep records of permits and destination-state confirmations for each species you ship.
- Common feeder species (crickets, mealworms, superworms, dubia, BSFL) are broadly accepted, but check the destination state for exceptions.
General guidance only — not legal advice. Regulations change and vary by region and species. Always verify current requirements with the relevant government authority (e.g. USDA/APHIS, DEFRA/APHA, MPI, CFIA, or your state/province department of agriculture) before keeping, breeding, shipping, or importing insects.