The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2022 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified importer Program (VQIP), and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). The user fee rates are authorized by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and allow the agency to assess and collect fees to cover the FDA’s cost of administering these programs.

VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based program for the expedited review and importation of foods from importers who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains.

The FY2022 VQIP user fee rate will be effective on August 1, 2021 and supports program benefits from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Currently, the agency is not offering an adjusted fee for small businesses. Approved VQIP applicants must pay the user fee before October 1, 2021 to begin receiving benefits for the 2022 fiscal year.

The TPP Program is a voluntary program in which FDA recognizes “accreditation bodies” that may accredit third-party “certification bodies.” The certification bodies can conduct food safety audits and issue certifications of foreign food facilities.