The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the fiscal year (FY) 2024 user fee rates for importers participating in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP), and the fees for accreditation and certification bodies participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). User fee rates are authorized by FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and are collected to cover the agency’s cost of administering programs.

VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based program for the expedited review and importation of foods from importers who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains. The FY 2024 VQIP user fee rate will be effective on August 1, 2023, and supports program benefits from October 1, 2023–September 30, 2024. At present, FDA is not offering an adjusted fee for small businesses. Approved VQIP applicants must pay the user fee before October 1, 2023 to begin receiving benefits for FY 2024.

The VQIP user fee for FY 2024 is $14,975.

TPP is a voluntary program in which FDA recognizes accreditation bodies that may accredit third-party certification bodies. Accredited certification bodies can conduct food safety audits and issue certifications for foreign food facilities. The FY 2024 TPP user fee rate will be effective on October 1, 2023 and will remain in effect through September 30, 2024.  

The FY 2024 fees for accreditation bodies and certification bodies in TPP are as follows:

• Initial application fee for accreditation body seeking recognition: $45,440
• Annual fee for a recognized accreditation body: $2,131
• Annual fee for an accredited certification body: $2,664
• Initial application fee for a certification body seeking direct accreditation from FDA: $45,440
• Renewal application fee for a recognized accreditation body: $27,888
• Renewal application fee for a directly accredited certification body: $27,888
• Annual fee for a certification body directly accredited by FDA: $21,184.

Any questions regarding VQIP can be directed to the VQIP Importers Help Desk at 1-301-796-8745 or FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov. Questions regarding TPP can be sent to FDAthirdpartyprogram@fda.hhs.gov.