Meat and Poultry Importer and Exporter Key Terms

Learn some industry terms associated with the business of meat and poultry

Meat and poultry importers and exporters make up a large segment of the world economy. Whether we're dining on Kobe beef imported from Japan, or people in Asia are dining on fresh chickens from America, there are many processes and procedures that the importers and exporters must follow to ensure the products are safe.Taking a few moments to understand a few basic terms associated with the meat and poultry importing and exporting industry will give you an edge over others in the same field. Here are some key terms along with quality resources that offer further explanation.

 

Equivalence process

The equivalence process refers to the inspection of foreign regulatory systems by the United States to ensure that meat and poultry imports are meeting a similar standard of conditions in terms of sanitation and refrigeration.
Try: Visit  United States Department of Agriculture for further information on the equivalence process and how to become certified in order to import meat, poultry and egg products into the United States.

Labeling guidance

Labeling guidance refers to the series of standards that meat and poultry manufacturers must utilize when importing or exporting their products in accordance with the Food and Safety Inspection Service.
Try: The Food Safety and Inspection Service has information on labeling guidance, labeling policies and requirements for importing and exporting meat and poultry items in and out of the United States.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule refers to the list of tariffs charged on all imports into the United States. Meat and poultry products have their own separate classifications.
Try: The Harmonized Tariff Schedule details tariffs on meat and poultry imported into the United States. This tariff schedule is set by the World Customs Association on Brussels.

Controlled risk

Controlled risk refers to the classification that the United States has received from the World Organization of Animal Health Scientific Commission stating that the beef products can be exported safely because of the interlocking standards in place.
Try: The National Cattleman's Beef Association has several articles that discuss the United States Classification as a "controlled risk" environment.

Beef quality assurance

Beef quality assurance is both an organization and a set of guidelines and standards that cattle farmers follow so that their beef can be exported. These programs are usually led by state beef councils.
Try: Beef Quality Assurance.org  outlines the programs and standards it implements so that American beef can be exported.

National Poultry Improvement Plan

The National Poultry Improvement Plan has been instituted by the United States Department of Agriculture to stave off disease in slaughtered poultry that will be consumed in America or exported overseas. The plan details the methods by which poultry should be slaughtered, the conditions in which the poultry should be kept and how to eliminate the latest threatening disease to hit poultry, the Avian bird flu, as well as other diseases.
Try: Visit Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for more information on the National Poultry Improvement Plan and approved slaughterhouses. Learn more about the avian bird flu poultry improvement plan that protects the U.S. population.

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