Live Cattle (Other Than Purebred Breeding)

CBP and APHIS typically require certified weight documentation from the exporting country, and animals may be weighed at the port of entry. When a single shipment contains animals falling into different weight brackets, each group must be declared and classified separately under the applicable 10-digit line. Accurate pre-shipment sorting and documentation help avoid delays and potential reclassification penalties.

The immediate-slaughter lines (covering steers, bulls, cows, and heifers at or above 320 kg) apply to animals certified as destined for slaughter within a short period after entry. This designation can affect APHIS permit conditions, movement restrictions post-entry, and duty treatment. Cattle imported under an immediate-slaughter designation that are subsequently diverted to feeding or breeding may be subject to additional duties and regulatory consequences.