USDA APHIS restricts or prohibits the importation of certain ruminant-derived materials — including specified risk materials, meat and bone meal, and some rendered fats — from countries with BSE risk classifications. The specific restrictions depend on the country's BSE status as determined by APHIS and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Importers should consult current APHIS import regulations and may need a veterinary import permit before shipment.

Tallow destined for edible use (e.g., food-grade lard or cooking fat) is subject to FSIS admissibility requirements and must originate from FSIS-approved establishments. Inedible tallow for industrial or feed use follows a different regulatory pathway under APHIS and FDA. The intended use must be clearly declared at entry, as misclassification between edible and inedible grades can trigger detention or refusal.