Under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, live chickens weighing 185 grams or more are generally subject to a duty rate of 0.9 cents per head under MFN rates. Importers should verify current rates and applicable free trade agreement preferences in the current HTS.

Importers must obtain a USDA APHIS VS import permit (Form 17-129), present a health certificate from the exporting country's competent authority, and comply with any disease-specific testing or quarantine requirements. Birds must enter through a USDA-approved port of entry with inspection facilities.