Frozen Bovine Meat

Yes. All imported frozen beef and veal must originate from FSIS-approved foreign establishments in eligible countries and is subject to mandatory FSIS reinspection at the US port of entry, regardless of thermal state. The reinspection process for frozen product may include temperature verification to confirm the product has been maintained at proper frozen temperatures throughout transit.

Because frozen beef can be warehoused, importers have more flexibility to time entries around quota opening dates compared to fresh product. However, this also means competition for in-quota allocations can be intense at the start of each quota year. Importers should monitor CBP quota bulletins closely and consider the trade-off between storage costs and the duty savings from securing in-quota entry.