What defines honey as a commodity?

Honey is classified as a natural sweetener derived from bee products and is identified under HS code 040900 as "Honey; natural".

What are the main safety risks associated with honey?

Honey can be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and antibiotics, which may cause genetic mutations, cellular damage, and, in infants, botulism.

How should honey be stored to preserve quality?

Honey should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; proper storage prevents crystallisation and limits the growth of spoilage microorganisms.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweet viscous food substance produced by bees from flower nectar. It is sold in liquid, solidified or crystalline states and may include honeycomb.

Prices, specifications and international trade for honey under HS 040900.

Honey Price

$6,736USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Honey Historical Unit Values

Honey is quoted in USD/t at NZL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Honey Exports and Imports

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New Zealand led reported honey exports in 2025, at $281M.

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Honey Facts and HS Code

Honey belongs to sugar and sweeteners within softs and tropicals. Its customs classification covers HS 040900.

Honey HS Code

Also known as	natural honey
Category	Sugar and sweeteners — Softs and tropicals
HS codes	040900
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	NZL

Production & Handling

Processing steps for honey include Extraction from honeycomb, Filtration, Heat treatment (pasteurization).

Production and Storage

Processing steps	Extraction from honeycomb Filtration Heat treatment (pasteurization) Storage

Uses & Risks

Honey uses, related products and documented risks.

Uses and Related Commodities

Standards	codex CXS 12-1981 — Standard for Honey
Leading origins	Argentina, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Mexico, Russia, Türkiye, United States

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Clostridium botulinum spores Food safetyHigh Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which may cause infant botulism when ingested by infants.	Food safety	High	Avoid feeding honey to infants under one year and ensure proper sterilization for adult consumption.
Heavy metal contamination Food safetyMedium Environmental pollutants can lead to accumulation of heavy metals in honey, posing health risks to consumers.	Food safety	Medium	Implement monitoring of heavy metal levels and select apiary locations away from industrial sources.
Pesticide residues Food safetyMedium Honey may be contaminated with pesticide residues from environmental exposure, leading to genetic mutations and cellular damage in consumers.	Food safety	Medium	Source honey from apiaries with integrated pest management and conduct regular residue testing.

Honey Questions

What defines honey as a commodity?: Honey is classified as a natural sweetener derived from bee products and is identified under HS code 040900 as "Honey; natural".
What are the main safety risks associated with honey?: Honey can be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and antibiotics, which may cause genetic mutations, cellular damage, and, in infants, botulism.
How should honey be stored to preserve quality?: Honey should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; proper storage prevents crystallisation and limits the growth of spoilage microorganisms.