The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently revised the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and released corresponding guidance for industry. The updates are effective immediately.

VQIP offers expedited review and importation into the U.S. for importers of human and animal foods who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains. Building on stakeholder feedback, the recent updates are intended to streamline processes, enhance flexibility, and elevate the efficiency of VQIP.

The updates include a revised inspection approach, designed to optimize program efficiency by leveraging other oversight activities, which may reduce user fees.

Additionally, VQIP participants now have the flexibility to add new foreign suppliers and foods to their existing program throughout the fiscal year, allowing them to access more benefits through their program. To support participants in obtaining a facility certificate from an accredited certification body under the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP), FDA is also extending the deadline for submitting the notice of intent to participate and application.