On January 1, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will open the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) application portal for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
VQIP is a voluntary fee-based program that provides importers, who achieve and maintain control over the safety and security of their supply chains, the benefits of expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States.
To participate in VQIP, food importers must meet certain eligibility requirements, including ensuring that the facilities of their foreign suppliers are certified through the FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification Program. Certification bodies conduct food safety audits of foreign facilities and farms, and issue the certifications that importers need to participate in VQIP.
Important Update: The VQIP application portal will remain open until September 1, 2025, allowing food importers ample time to apply for FY26 VQIP benefits.
Additional Information
- Voluntary Qualified Importer Program
- Fact Sheet: Preparing for the FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program
- Submission of VQIP Application User Guide
- Public Registry of Accredited Third-Party Certification Bodies
Questions may be submitted to the VQIP Importers’ Help Desk via 1-301-796-8745 or via email; to FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov.
VQIP supports the FDA Strategy for the Safety of Imported Food by incentivizing importers to use certified suppliers and robust processes and procedures to help ensure imported food is meeting U.S. food safety requirements.
Posted in FDA and USDA Regulatory Update, Foods.