How to use the FSIS Export Library for US meat and egg exports

How to use the FSIS Export Library

The FSIS Export Library lists country-specific import requirements for US meat, poultry, Siluriformes fish and egg products. Open the Import & Export Library, choose your destination and check product eligibility, certificates and plant approval requirements.

The library holds requirements the importing country has officially communicated to FSIS. Under FSIS Directive 9000.1, those requirements go beyond the meat export regulations in 9 CFR part 322, poultry rules at 381.104 through 381.111, Siluriformes rules in part 552 and egg product rules at 9 CFR 590.407. It doesn't list every country that may accept US product. Inspectors check the library before they sign an export certificate, and they verify only what the library states. Exporters must still supply documents showing the shipment meets those requirements.

How to find USDA export requirements by country

The USDA export library search includes both import and export entries. Use these steps on the library page when you need export regulations by country:

1. Type the destination in the keyword search, or use the country filter.
2. Select Export in the Status filter. Check for Export Ineligible entries too.
3. Check the eligibility columns for meat, poultry and egg products.
4. Open the country page and read its Export Requirements section.

The Australia page, for example, logs updates with change codes (3/31/2026, AU-73). Its Export Requirements section has its own date. Sections cover eligible and ineligible products, labeling, processing, documentation and plant approval. The Japan page also lists delisted and reinstated plants, plus a separate poultry section.

Read the Export Requirements date, not just the footer's Last Updated date. They can differ, as the Australia page shows.

Check APHIS for animal disease restrictions

FSIS Notice 17-26 says that starting April 1, 2026, as country pages are updated, the Export Library stops showing animal disease restrictions directly and links the APHIS export restrictions page instead. Check that page for the disease rules.

When a country is not listed

A country missing from the library is not a sign that your product is accepted. FSIS export guidance says to assume nothing is known about that country's requirements. FSIS will issue Form 9060-5 without additional information in the Remarks section. Work with your importer on product eligibility, certification requirements and a valid import permit.

FSIS Form 9060-5 and the other export forms

The certificate and the application use different form numbers. These are listed in Directive 9000.1, Directive 13000.5 and FSIS export guidance.

Federally inspected and passed meat, poultry and egg products are eligible for a USDA export certificate. That doesn't make the shipment eligible for a particular destination. Check the country requirements before you apply (Directive 9000.1).

File FSIS Form 9060-6 in the Public Health Information System (PHIS). Applicants who don't use PHIS email the paper form to FSCExport.Recon@usda.gov. Fax is allowed only when no supplemental documents are required. FSIS issues the certificate after it approves the application (export guidance).

PHIS generates the 9060-5B when Remarks runs out of space. Only statements the library requires belong in Remarks or on the continuation sheet (Directive 13000.5). Most certificates may be signed by an FSIS inspector. The country page says when a Public Health Veterinarian must sign (export guidance).

Letterhead certificates

Use the current supplemental document posted in the library. Don't alter, omit or add statements. For PHIS export module countries that accept a digital signature, letterhead certificates are not used. PHIS puts the selected statements in Remarks or on the 9060-5B (Directive 13000.5).

Electronic certificates in PHIS

For PHIS export module countries, certificates are generated, issued and maintained in PHIS and digitally signed. The exporter prints them on plain paper. Check the PHIS Components page for participating countries. Casings certification stays outside PHIS (Directive 13000.5).

A digitally signed PHIS PDF is not an eCert and is not sent to the importing country's system. Some countries prohibit replacement certificates or edits to Remarks and the 9060-5B. In those cases, a new original application is needed (FSIS Notice 11-26).

Eligible establishments and export listing

Some destinations accept product only from listed plants. Check Eligible U.S. Establishments by Country. The EU and the UK have separate lists, so listing for one does not cover the other.

For countries on that page, establishments must at least submit Form 9080-3 in PHIS. No 9080-3 is needed when the country is absent from that page. FSIS sends list updates at the frequency each country negotiated (establishment listing guidance).

The establishment must be on the list, the list must match the PHIS establishment profile, and labels must match. Don't ship until the importing country has accepted the plant and updated the list (Notice 11-26). Some countries also require product from an approved AMS Export Verification program. AMS publishes the approved establishment list.

Keeping up with changes

Because requirements change, check the library before every shipment. FSIS Directive 9000.1 Revision 3 was issued September 17, 2026 and implemented September 19, 2026. It cancels Revision 2 and Directive 9000.6, adds egg product export instructions aligned with meat and poultry, and removes the pre-stamping program requirements.

The FSIS forms page still links Revision 2. Use the directive page directly. Subscribe to FSIS GovDelivery for library updates. For questions, select Export in askFSIS or call 1-800-233-3935 (Notice 17-26).

RegAffairs AI answers this question with citations to FSIS directives and notices.