Food importers who wish to participate in FDA's Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) for fiscal year 2023 benefits may apply until  May 31, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST via the VQIP application portal.  The FDA portal opened on January 1, 2022. 

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.

To participate in VQIP, 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.  

More information can be found on CSMS #5183879