On January 1, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will open the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) application portal for fiscal year (FY) 2027. By participating in this program, you can expedite the import of your foods into the United States.
What is VQIP?
- VQIP is a voluntary fee-based program that provides importers, who achieve and maintain control over the safety and security of their supply chains, the benefits of expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States.
- Food importers who meet eligibility requirements can avoid unexpected delays at the point of import entry and import their products more quickly.
How do I apply?
- Between January 1 and September 1, 2026, importers can submit an application to be considered for the program which begins October 1.
- If you meet FDA’s criteria, you then pay an annual fee and become eligible for all the benefits of the VQIP program.
How will it benefit me?
- All foods you’ve included in your approved VQIP application will receive expedited import entry into the U.S. In most cases, the screening allows immediate release of the shipment.
- Although examination and sampling are sometimes needed for public health reasons, FDA will limit these for VQIP food entries to “for cause” situations (e.g., outbreak investigation); to obtain risk-based microbiological samples; or to verify that products declared in a VQIP entry are consistent with those in the application.
- When sampling is needed, FDA will prioritize processing of VQIP foods and attempt to do so at the food’s destination or importer-preferred location. If an import entry is denied, FDA will assist in the importer’s request to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to export from the importer-preferred port.
- Participants can add new foreign suppliers and foods to their existing program throughout the fiscal year.
- FDA also has a dedicated Help Desk (FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov or 1-301-796-8745) for VQIP participant questions and concerns.
How do I get started?!
- Although you cannot submit your application until January, getting a head start to prepare now for the program will help ensure you have everything in place for submission.
Your TAG India consultants can assist in application submission and follow up with FDA on your behalf.
