The US tariff schedule defines 'processed' beef through a specific chapter note that references treatments such as cooking, curing, or other preparation beyond simple freezing and trimming. Bone-in cuts that have only been chilled, frozen, and trimmed remain non-processed and fall under this line, while cuts that have been marinated, seasoned, or otherwise treated may qualify as processed and shift to a different tariff line with distinct duty and quota treatment.

Each shipment must be accompanied by a foreign inspection certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, attesting that the product was produced in an FSIS-equivalent inspection system and at a specific establishment approved for export to the US. FSIS reinspects shipments at the port of entry; product from non-approved establishments or countries without equivalence determinations is refused entry.