From SeafoodMedia, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to update and extend the Voluntary Qualified importer Program (VQIP), which is designed to speed up the process of clearing food imports for participants who adhere to strict safety standards throughout the supply chain.

The revised program will provide greater flexibility and streamlined operational processes for participating importers in the Voluntary Qualified importer Program (VQIP), a voluntary initiative that allows approved importers to benefit from faster inspections and a smoother process for getting their products into customs.

U.S. regulatory agencies on the Voluntary Qualified importer Program (VQIP) is implemented as follows:

1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will review the application and supporting documentation to assess compliance with the VQIP requirements;

2. If approved, the FDA may conduct a VQIP inspection to verify that the product meets the requirements of the food safety system;

3. For importers of juice or seafood products subject to both VQIP and Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), FDA may conduct inspections to verify compliance with regulatory requirements;

4. FDA may require food labeling to identify any labeling violations. The applicant must correct any deficiencies found.

To assist participants in obtaining facility certification from certified organizations under the Certified Third Party Producer (TPP) Certification Program, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the deadline for submitting applications and notices of participation.