FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program: How VQIP Speeds Up US Customs Clearance

The Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) is one of the least understood but most valuable tools available to food importers who source from foreign manufacturers with strong compliance records. Established under Section 302 of FSMA and codified in FDA regulations, VQIP provides expedited review and entry of food imported by participating importers — meaning faster customs clearance, fewer delays, and lower risk of routine detention. For foreign manufacturers, having your US importer accepted into VQIP is a competitive advantage that signals to the market that your facility meets the highest FDA compliance standards.

What VQIP offers and how it works

VQIP-participating importers receive expedited FDA review of their import entries, which translates to faster release of shipments at US ports. While non-VQIP shipments may be selected for FDA examination based on risk scoring through the PREDICT system, VQIP entries receive a lower risk score and are less likely to be flagged for physical examination, sampling, or laboratory analysis. This does not mean VQIP shipments are exempt from all FDA scrutiny — they can still be examined if specific intelligence or alerts apply — but under normal conditions, VQIP entries move through the import process significantly faster than standard entries.

Eligibility requirements for VQIP

To participate in VQIP, a US importer must demonstrate a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chain. The key requirement is that the food being imported must come from a facility that has been certified by an accredited third-party certification body under FDA's Accredited Third-Party Certification Program. This is not a GFSI audit or a private certification — it must be a certification issued by a body that has been accredited by an FDA-recognized accreditation body specifically for the purpose of the FDA third-party certification program. The importer must also demonstrate a satisfactory compliance history, maintain adequate FSVP records, and meet other program requirements specified by the FDA.

The application process requires importers to submit detailed information about their supply chain, their foreign suppliers, the certification status of those suppliers' facilities, and their own compliance history. Applications are reviewed annually, and participation is renewed on a yearly basis. The FDA evaluates the importer's compliance record, including any Warning Letters, import alerts, recalls, or adverse findings associated with the importer or their suppliers. A single significant compliance failure — such as an import alert listing or a failed FDA inspection of a supplier facility — can result in denial or revocation of VQIP participation.

The role of accredited third-party certification

The foundation of VQIP eligibility is the accredited third-party certification of the foreign facility. Under FDA's program, accreditation bodies are recognized by the FDA to accredit certification bodies, which in turn conduct audits of foreign food facilities and issue certifications. The certification audit evaluates the facility's compliance with FDA food safety requirements, including CGMP, preventive controls (or HACCP where applicable), sanitation, allergen management, and recordkeeping. The certification is valid for a defined period and must be renewed through subsequent audits. As of 2026, the number of FDA-recognized accreditation bodies and accredited certification bodies remains limited, which means that foreign manufacturers seeking certification must plan ahead and may need to work with specific auditing organizations that have been accredited under the FDA program.

Benefits for foreign manufacturers

While VQIP is an importer-level program, the benefits flow directly to foreign manufacturers whose facilities hold accredited third-party certification. US importers actively seek suppliers with certified facilities because VQIP participation reduces their operational costs, speeds up their supply chain, and demonstrates to their own customers and regulators that they source from high-quality suppliers. For foreign manufacturers, obtaining accredited third-party certification can differentiate your facility from competitors, strengthen relationships with existing US importers, and open doors to new import partners who prioritize VQIP eligibility in their supplier selection.

How FDABridge supports VQIP readiness

FDABridge helps foreign food manufacturers maintain the facility registration, US Agent designation, and compliance documentation that form the foundation for accredited third-party certification and VQIP eligibility. While we do not conduct third-party audits ourselves, we ensure your FDA registrations are current and accurate, and we can advise on the compliance steps needed to prepare for certification audits. Visit fdabridge.com/food to see our food services or fdabridge.com/contact to discuss your compliance needs.