USDA APHIS requires phytosanitary certificates for most imported hay and forage, and some origins face additional restrictions or treatment requirements due to weed seed and pest concerns. Importers should check APHIS import regulations specific to the commodity and country of origin well in advance of shipment.

Alfalfa meal and pellets—where the plant material has been ground and formed—fall under 121410. Alfalfa hay that is simply baled, compressed into cubes, or chopped without being ground into meal would generally fall under 121490 as a forage product not elsewhere specified. The degree of size reduction and processing is the key factor.