VQIP Guidance Released

FDA has just released its Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Qualified Importer Program. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) directed FDA to create the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP), which is a voluntary, fee-based program that is intended to expedite the review and importation of food for participants in the program.

To be eligible to participate in the VQIP, an importer must be importing food from a facility that has been certified by a third-party auditor accredited under FSMA and such certification must accompany the imported food. An importer that wishes to participate must submit a notice and application to FDA. The specific requirements for participation are outlined in the FDA guidance document.

A hat tip to David Acheson on his excellent summary and comments, You Can Now Expedite Entry of Your Imported Foods … If You Meet All Eligibility Criteria.