VQIP is a voluntary fee-based program for importers who achieve and maintain control over the safety and security of their supply chains. VQIP participants enjoy the benefits of expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the U.S.
Participating importers will be able to import their products to the U.S. with greater speed and predictability, avoiding unexpected delays at the point of import entry. Consumers will also benefit from the importer’s robust management of the safety and security of their supply chains.
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, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Certification bodies conduct food safety audits of foreign facilities and farms, and issue the certifications that importers need to participate in VQIP.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 VQIP User Fee is effective on August 1, 2022, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2023.
Fee rates are published in a Federal Register Notice no later than 60 days before the start of each FY. User Fee must be paid before October 1, the start of the VQIP FY.
Annual user fees to participate in VQIP include the costs of
- reviewing applications
- conducting inspections of importers
- conducting inspections of exporters
- Information Technology (IT) maintenance costs
Paid to the U.S. Treasury.
At this time, FDA is not offering an adjusted fee for small businesses.
- Create an account on the FDA Industry Systems website.
- Submit a Notice of Intent to Participate in VQIP between January 1 and May 31, 11:59pm (EST).
- Pay the User Fee.
Costco Wholesale Corporation
999 Lake Dr
Issaquah, WA 98027-8990
www.costco.com
Hudson Trading Group Llc
228 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10003-1502
www.hudsontraders.com
LT Foods Americas Inc
11130 Warland Dr
Cypress, CA 90630-5032
www.ltfoodsglobal.com
Pacific Seafood Co. Inc
16797 SE 130th Ave
Clackamas, OR 97015-8966
www.pacificseafood.com
Palmex Ltd
9901 W Ih 10 Ste 777
San Antonio, TX 78230-2252
www.palmex.com
Sovena USA Inc
1 Olive Grove St
Rome, NY 13441-4815
www.sovenagroup.com