The FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) application portal for fiscal year 2027 opens on January 1, 2026, providing food importers with an opportunity to streamline their import processes through expedited review and importation benefits.
VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based program that offers expedited review and importation benefits for human and animal foods when importers demonstrate control over their supply chain safety and security. To participate, importers must ensure their foreign supplier facilities are certified through FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification Program.
Key Application Details:
• Application Window: January 1 – September 1, 2026
• Program Year: FY2027 benefits
Getting Started:
• Create an account on the FDA Industry Systems website (https://www.access.fda.gov/)
• Contact FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov for an informational meeting
• Review eligibility requirements and certification needs, as foreign supplier facilities must be certified by FDA-accredited third-party certification bodies.
VQIP supports FDA’s Strategy for the Safety of Imported Food by incentivizing importers to use certified suppliers and maintain robust processes to help ensure imported food meets U.S. food safety requirements.
