Food and Live Animals

Jurisdiction is split by commodity: USDA FSIS covers imported meat, poultry, and egg products; USDA APHIS covers live animals, plants, and related quarantine matters; and FDA oversees most other food products. Many shipments require coordination between more than one agency.

TRQs are common but not universal within this section — they apply to specific commodities such as beef, dairy, and certain sugar products. Each TRQ has its own in-quota and over-quota rates, and quota fill levels can shift effective duty costs significantly. Importers should verify TRQ status at the specific HTS subheading level before contracting.