US Meat Suppliers: Beef, Pork and Poultry
Importing meat is a highly regulated process: the plant has to be eligible for your country, and every shipment travels with an official certificate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
| Industry | Meat |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 0201, 0202, 0203, 0206, 0207, 1601, 1602 |
| U.S. agencies involved | USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS); U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 4 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- 0201: meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled. 0202: meat of bovine animals, frozen.
- 0203: meat of swine, fresh, chilled or frozen.
- 0206: edible offal. 0207: meat and offal of poultry.
- 1601: sausages and similar products. 1602: other prepared or preserved meat.
Requirements on the U.S. side
- The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) publishes an Export Library with the requirements that each importing country has officially communicated to it.
- Most countries accept products from any federally inspected establishment, but some accept them only from pre-certified or registered plants; the Export Library says so under plant eligibility.
- FSIS issues the Meat and Poultry Export Certificate of Wholesomeness (Form 9060-5), with any additional certifications your country has requested.
Requirements in your country
- Mexico: animal health import certificate from SENASICA.
- Costa Rica: import permit for products of animal origin from SENASA.
- In other countries, ask the health or agricultural authority for the requirements for products of animal origin.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Confirm in the FSIS Export Library that the product and the plant are eligible for your country before you negotiate.
- Define precise specifications: cut, weight, packaging, temperature and shelf life.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
What certificate comes with U.S. meat?
FSIS issues Form 9060-5 (Meat and Poultry Export Certificate of Wholesomeness), with any additional statements your country has communicated.
Can any U.S. packing plant sell me meat?
It depends on your country. Some accept any federally inspected establishment and others only pre-certified plants; the FSIS Export Library says which.
Official sources
- USDA FSIS: export guidance
- USDA FSIS: eligible U.S. establishments by country
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
- SENASICA (Mexico): animal health import certificate (in Spanish)
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.