The move is of more symbolic than of economic importance. The East European country imports only a small amount of US beef annually, but meat processors in the US hope that the decision may sway other countries into loosening or even lifting their bans.

Under the new legislation, Polish firms will now able to import beef products under permits issued by USDA's chief veterinary officer, with additional certification statements, according to a statement from the USDA's animal & plant health inspection services.

Poland has been hit by BSE in the past. In May 2002, authorities reported their first case of the brain-wasting disease. Five further cases were reported in 2003.

However, Japan and the United States appear no nearer to resuming trade. US officials were in Tokyo to explain safeguard measures and to try to convince Japan it is safe to resume imports of American beef.

But USDA undersecretary J B Penn told a news conference today that there were no new proposals presented from either side.