If the frozen product contains more than a threshold percentage of meat or poultry as a characterizing ingredient, USDA FSIS takes jurisdiction and the foreign establishment must be FSIS-approved. Products that are primarily vegetable- or grain-based with only minor meat content typically remain under FDA authority, but the line can be fact-specific — consult a licensed customs broker or regulatory specialist before importing.

The specific ingredients, preparation method, and whether the product is considered a 'prepared food' versus a single-ingredient frozen item all influence which HTS heading applies. Misclassification can result in unexpected duty exposure or admissibility holds, so a detailed ingredient breakdown should accompany every entry.