The US Food and Drug Administration’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) application portal for fiscal year (FY) 2022 benefits will close on May 31, 2021. The portal opened on January 1, 2021. 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.  

Importers have until May 31,2021 at 11:59 pm EST to submit their online application to participate in VQIP for FY2022 benefits, beginning October 1, 2021. If you have already submitted an application, you may check the status at https://www.access.fda.gov/  

For questions, you may also contact the VQIP Importers’ Help Desk via 1-301-796-8745 or via email to FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov