The Strict Landscape of US Meat Importation
Importing beef into the United States is one of the most heavily regulated processes in global trade. For Japanese Wagyu, the requirements involve both the FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).Step 1: USDA FSIS Approved Slaughterhouses
The most critical rule is that the Wagyu must be slaughtered and processed in a facility that is explicitly certified by the USDA. As of 2026, there are only a handful of slaughterhouses in Japan (located in regions like Kagoshima, Gunma, and Miyazaki) that hold this certification. If the meat comes from an uncertified facility, it cannot enter the US.Step 2: Health Certificates
Every shipment must be accompanied by an official Japanese government health certificate confirming that the meat is free of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) and FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease).Step 3: FDA Prior Notice
While the USDA handles the meat safety, the FDA requires a Prior Notice for the import of food products. This must be filed before the shipment arrives at the US port of entry.Partnering with Wagyu Ninja for US Imports
Navigating the USDA and FDA requirements is fraught with risk. A single paperwork error can result in a $100,000 shipment of Wagyu being destroyed at the border. Wagyu Ninja works exclusively with USDA-certified slaughterhouses in Japan and manages all necessary export documentation, ensuring your shipment clears US customs smoothly.
Karen Hashimoto
Curator & Export Compliance Director · WAGYU NINJA
Karen sources directly from Japanese producers and handles export compliance for B2B buyers in 50+ countries. Based in Fukuoka, Japan. @konnichiwa.karen