Additional 80,000 MT TRQ for 2026 Argentina beef under HTSUS 0201/0202 with specific quota period and opening rules.

CBP’s CSMS 68168194 announces Quota Bulletin 26-224, which implements an additional tariff-rate quota (TRQ) tranche for imports of certain beef from Argentina in calendar year 2026. This is a substantive trade policy measure because it expands the quantity of product that can enter the United States at in‑quota duty rates before over‑quota (typically higher) rates apply.

Scope and products

The measure applies to beef from Argentina as described in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) Chapter 2, under Additional U.S. Note (AUSN) 3(b). The relevant statistical reporting numbers are:

• 0201.30.5091
• 0201.30.5097
• 0202.30.5091
• 0202.30.5097

These lines generally cover fresh or chilled and frozen boneless beef cuts. The action is taken pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation and Annex titled “Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer,” published February 6, 2026, and is in addition to the aggregate quantity already specified for Argentina in AUSN 3(a) to Chapter 2.

Quota quantity and timing

In addition to the existing annual Argentina beef quota under AUSN 3(a), an extra 80,000 metric tons (MT) of eligible Argentine beef may be entered under the above HTSUS statistical reporting numbers. The eligible entry window for this additional quantity is from 12:01 a.m. on February 13, 2026 through December 31, 2026, as provided in U.S. Note 7 to the relevant subchapter.

Within that overall window, CBP identifies a specific quota period for this tranche: April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. The quota opening date is Wednesday, April 1, 2026. For quota allocation purposes, all entries submitted after 12:01 a.m. local port time and prior to 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on April 1 will be assigned an entry time of 8:30 a.m. ET. If, at 8:30 a.m. ET, the total quantity requested for any HTSUS group exceeds the available limit, CBP will prorate all accepted entries filed in that opening window.

Duty impact

While the bulletin does not list specific duty percentages, this is a classic TRQ structure: entries within the quota quantity receive a lower in‑quota duty rate, while entries exceeding the quota are subject to higher over‑quota rates. For customs brokers and importers, the existence of an additional 80,000 MT of quota directly affects duty calculations, as it increases the likelihood that shipments can be entered at the in‑quota rate if filed timely and correctly.

Compliance implications for brokers and importers

1) Classification and eligibility: Confirm that the product is Argentine-origin beef that meets the definitions in AUSN 3(b) to Chapter 2 and that it is properly classified under one of the four specified HTSUS statistical reporting numbers. Misclassification could result in loss of quota eligibility and higher duties.

2) Quota claim strategy: Coordinate shipment schedules and entry filing to take advantage of the additional 80,000 MT TRQ. For product arriving around the opening, ensure entries are ready to transmit on April 1, 2026, after 12:01 a.m. local port time and before 8:30 a.m. ET, understanding that all such entries will share the same quota time stamp and may be prorated if oversubscribed.

3) Monitoring quota status: Use CBP’s quota bulletins and quota status reports to track remaining quantities under this Argentina beef tranche. Once the 80,000 MT is filled, subsequent entries will be assessed at over‑quota duty rates, which may significantly increase landed cost.

4) Internal procedures: Update internal SOPs and broker instructions for 2026 Argentine beef imports to reference Quota Bulletin 26-224, the additional 80,000 MT quantity, the applicable HTSUS numbers, and the April 1–June 30 quota period. Ensure staff understand the special opening‑time rule and proration risk.

5) Documentation: Maintain clear origin documentation and any supporting records needed to substantiate that the beef is from Argentina and qualifies under the relevant notes, in case of CBP review.

In summary, this bulletin creates an additional 80,000 MT TRQ for specific Argentine beef HTSUS lines in 2026, with defined timing and opening rules. Brokers must classify correctly, file within the quota period, and manage entry timing to secure in‑quota duty treatment and avoid unexpected over‑quota duties.