Importers typically must provide documentation to US Customs and Border Protection and USDA APHIS confirming the animals are consigned directly to a federally inspected slaughter facility and will be slaughtered within a specified timeframe.

Duty rates differ by 10-digit code; the immediate slaughter category may carry a lower or distinct MFN rate compared to breeding or other-use categories, and USMCA preferential rates may further reduce duties for Canadian and Mexican origin animals.

No. Animals entered under the immediate slaughter classification must be slaughtered as declared; diverting them to other uses would constitute a customs violation and could result in penalties and reclassification.