The Grading and Verification Division (GVD) has been assigned responsibility for reviewing and approving companies as eligible suppliers of meat and meat products under the USDA Export Verification (EV) Programs. The EV Programs outline the specified product requirements for individual countries. Visit the EV Program for Japan website for specific information. The specified product requirements must be met through an approved Quality System Assessment Program. GVD personnel conduct regular audits of eligible suppliers.

Eligible suppliers are included in the applicable Internet publication. Only eligible suppliers listed in the Official Listing may supply product identified as meeting the requirements of the applicable USDA EV Program. Eligible product must be produced under an approved Program and be identified as meeting the requirements of the applicable USDA EV Program. Only eligible products may be issued a Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Export certificate which includes the applicable statement as listed in the FSIS Library of Export Requirements. Eligible suppliers must submit a list of all eligible product items intended for shipment. The product list must be submitted in the approved Excel format. Updates to the approved product list must be made in accordance with the procedure, EV Program Updating Approved Product Lists.