The Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) 

For participants in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the 2025/2026 benefit year started October 1, 2025, and ends September 30, 2026.  

VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based program that provides importers who achieve and maintain control over the safety and security of their supply chains, expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States. 

VQIP participants can import certain food products into the United States with quicker, easier entry, limited examination and sampling, FDA sampling at preferred location, and faster lab results with the assistance of the VQIP Importers Help Desk. 

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. Importers interested in participating must apply using the VQIP application portal. The portal will reopen on January 1, 2026, and remain open through September 1, 2026, for the 2026/27 program. 

To see a current list of VQIP participants, visit: Public List of Approved VQIP Importers 

The following resources provide more in-depth information about the VQIP program and process: 

• Voluntary Qualified Importer Program 
• Preparing for the FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program 
• VQIP Portal User Guide 
• Public Registry of Accredited Third-Party Certification Bodies 

VQIP supports the FDA Strategy for the Safety of Imported Food by incentivizing importers to use certified suppliers and maintain robust processes and procedures to help ensure imported food is meeting U.S. food safety requirements 

Those interested should submit questions to the VQIP Importers Help Desk by email FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov or by phone 301-796-8745. 

Learn more about Importing Food Products into the United States.