International Trade & Export Regulations

What Are International Trade Regulations?

International trade regulations govern the export and import of dairy products, livestock, and genetic materials (semen, embryos) between countries. These regulations protect animal and public health, ensure product quality, and manage trade relationships. For dairy farms, these rules affect opportunities to export breeding stock, participate in international genetics markets, or sell products abroad.

Key Regulatory Bodies

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

Promotes U.S. agricultural exports and provides market intelligence. Offices in embassies worldwide help navigate foreign market access. Administers programs supporting agricultural exports.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Issues export health certificates for live animals and animal products. Negotiates animal health protocols with foreign countries. Maintains approved testing and facility requirements for exports.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Regulates dairy product safety for exports. Issues certificates for dairy products meeting destination country requirements.

Foreign Government Agencies

Each importing country has its own requirements administered by its veterinary or food safety authorities. Requirements vary significantly between countries and can change frequently.

Exporting Live Cattle

Health Requirements

Live cattle exports require health certificates issued by USDA-accredited veterinarians and endorsed by APHIS. Testing requirements vary by destination but typically include:

• Tuberculosis testing
• Brucellosis testing
• Bluetongue testing
• Other disease tests specific to destination requirements

Quarantine

Many countries require pre-export quarantine at USDA-approved facilities. Quarantine periods typically range from 14-30 days during which required testing is completed.

Documentation

Export certificates must precisely match destination country requirements. Registration papers, pedigrees, and additional documentation may be required depending on the destination.

Exporting Genetics (Semen & Embryos)

Approved Facilities

Semen and embryos must be collected and processed at USDA-approved facilities that meet destination country requirements. Not all approved U.S. facilities are accepted by all countries.

Testing Requirements

Donor animals must meet disease testing requirements specific to each destination country. Testing protocols and acceptable laboratories vary by country.

Documentation

Export certificates for genetics require detailed information about donors, collection, processing, and storage. Documentation must meet the specific format requirements of each destination.

Exporting Dairy Products

Facility Approval

Some countries require processing facilities to be specifically approved for export to that country. Approval typically involves inspections and compliance verification.

Product Standards

Destination countries may have different standards for composition, additives, labeling, and safety testing than U.S. domestic requirements. Products must meet destination country standards.

Certificates

Health certificates or export documents from USDA or FDA may be required depending on the product and destination.

Market Access Considerations

Tariffs and Quotas

Many countries impose tariffs on imported dairy products. Trade agreements may provide preferential access or tariff-rate quotas for U.S. products.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures

Countries can restrict imports based on animal or public health concerns. These measures must be scientifically justified under WTO rules but create significant market access barriers.

Technical Requirements

Labeling, packaging, and product standards may differ from U.S. requirements and require adaptation for specific markets.

Working with Export Requirements

Research Requirements Early

Export requirements can take months to meet. Begin researching destination country requirements well before planned shipments.

Use USDA Resources

FAS and APHIS websites provide destination country requirements and market information. FAS offices abroad can help navigate foreign regulatory systems.

Work with Experienced Partners

Export brokers, freight forwarders, and veterinarians experienced with export protocols can help navigate complex requirements.

Maintain Accurate Records

Documentation requirements are strict. Maintain complete, accurate records for animals and products that may be exported.

Cost Considerations

Export costs include testing ($100-500+ per animal depending on requirements), veterinary certificates and endorsements ($50-200), USDA endorsement fees, quarantine costs if required ($50-100+/day), shipping and logistics, and broker/agent fees. For genetics exports, collection, processing, and storage at approved facilities add significant costs.