Live cattle imports require a health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian in the exporting country, attesting that the animals meet US import conditions including freedom from specified diseases. USDA APHIS may also require a negative test result for specific pathogens, an import permit, and compliance with quarantine protocols at an APHIS-approved facility upon arrival.

USDA APHIS assigns BSE risk classifications to countries based on international standards. Only countries with a recognized negligible or controlled BSE risk status are eligible to export live cattle to the United States, and even then, additional age and feed-history requirements may apply. A change in a country's BSE status can suspend trade, so importers should monitor APHIS risk-status determinations continuously.