Beef Export Verification Program for Japan

After regaining beef export trade with Japan in December 2005, export rule violations prompted Japan to reinstate its beef trade ban on January 20, 2006. While it is uncertain when trade will resume, it is incumbent upon the entire U.S. beef industry to understand the rules for beef export to Japan. These rules are established in USDA’s Beef Export Verification (BEV) Program for Japan. This BEV Program applies to companies, producers, feedlots, slaughterers and fabricators who supply beef and beef offal for export to Japan. Suppliers must comply with the specified product requirements under the USDA BEV Program for Japan through a USDA approved Quality Systems Assessment (QSA) Program. Because cattle producers are considered suppliers under the QSA, it is important for them to determine eligibility of their cattle for export