Bone meal for fertilizer use is generally regulated by the EPA and state departments of agriculture for labeling and nutrient content claims. When intended as an animal feed ingredient, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and USDA APHIS rules on ruminant-to-ruminant feeding restrictions (BSE-related feed bans) may apply. Importers should confirm the intended end-use and applicable agency requirements before entry.

The key distinction is processing state: bones that are crude, steamed, or simply ground fall under 0506900020, while powder and waste specifically from bones and horn-cores go to 0506900040. The residual line 0506900000 captures forms not covered by either. Accurate classification requires the supplier to specify the processing method and physical form of the material in the commercial invoice.