Importers must obtain a USDA APHIS import permit in advance. Cattle must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in the exporting country and endorsed by that country's national veterinary authority. Animals may be subject to inspection at the port of entry, and country-specific disease-status conditions (such as restrictions related to foot-and-mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy status) can affect admissibility.

The US schedule subdivides this heading by weight bracket (under 90 kg, 90–200 kg, 200–320 kg, and 320 kg or more) as well as by sex and intended use (slaughter vs. breeding). Because duty rates and quota applicability can differ across these lines, importers should verify the animal's weight at the border crossing and ensure the commercial invoice and health certificate reflect that weight accurately.