How to Apply for FDA’s VQIP and Maintain VQIP/TPP Compliance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a new Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) resource to help importers understand eligibility criteria and answer questions prior to submitting an application. VQIP expedites the review and importation of foods into the U.S. for importers that can demonstrate a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains.
To participate in VQIP, importers of human and animal food must meet certain conditions, including having foreign suppliers audited and certified under FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP) by an accredited third-party certification body. The resource includes lists of considerations for preparing to apply for VQIP and for VQIP program maintenance.