The short answer
The Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) is a fee-based FDA program that gives approved importers expedited review and entry for the foods in their application. In return, the importer must show a strong food safety track record — including a three-year import history and certification of its foreign suppliers’ facilities by an FDA-accredited third-party certification body.
For fiscal year 2027 the VQIP user fee is $9,994 per importer (91 FR 48125, July 30, 2026), covering benefits from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
VQIP benefits
- FDA expedites entry for all foods in the approved application.
- Examination and sampling are limited to “for cause” situations.
- Where possible, any examination or sampling happens at the destination or another location the importer chooses.
- A dedicated VQIP Importers Help Desk.
Eligibility checklist
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Three-year import history | At least three years of importing food into the U.S. |
| Facility certification | A current certification of the foreign supplier’s facility, issued under FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification program — not just a GFSI certificate |
| Quality Assurance Program (QAP) | A written program showing how the importer ensures the safety and security of the foods |
| FSVP and other importer duties | Assurance of compliance with supplier verification and other importer responsibilities |
| Clean compliance record | No ongoing FDA administrative or judicial action, such as an import alert, injunction or recall |
| DUNS number | A Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number for the importer — see how to get a D-U-N-S number |
Timeline
- 1PrepareGet the foreign facility certified, write the QAP, and confirm your FSVP files.
- 2Apply in the windowFDA opens the VQIP application portal each year on January 1; in recent years it has stayed open until May 31.
- 3Pay the feeOnce accepted, pay the user fee before October 1.
- 4Benefits start October 1For the fiscal year, and you reapply each year.
Is VQIP worth it?
VQIP suits large, regular importers of foods that are often examined or sampled — for example seafood, spices or fresh produce — where delays cost more than the fee and certification. For most small importers, good FSVP files, correct product codes and a clean history help more.
Example: a spice importer working with suppliers in Vietnam and Mexico
A U.S. importer has brought in pepper from Vietnam and dried chiles from Mexico for six years without an import alert or recall. It asks both suppliers to get certified by an accredited third-party certification body, writes a Quality Assurance Program, gets a DUNS number and applies to VQIP in the January–May window. Once accepted, it pays the $9,994 FY2027 fee, and from October 1 its entries are expedited, with examinations only for cause.
FSVP program development from $400 per supplier ($150 for each additional supplier). FSVP Qualified Individual annual retainer $200. FSVP compliance audit and gap assessment $250.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the VQIP fee for FY2027?
$9,994 per importer, for benefits from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
Can a foreign exporter apply to VQIP?
VQIP is for importers. The foreign supplier’s part is to have its facility certified under FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification program.
Is a GFSI certificate enough for VQIP?
No. VQIP needs a facility certification issued under FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification regulations.
When can I apply?
FDA opens the application portal on January 1 each year; in recent years it has closed on May 31.
Sources
- Federal Register — VQIP user fee rate for fiscal year 2027 (91 FR 48125)
- FDA — VQIP guidance for industry (November 2024)
- FDA — VQIP application portal opens (January–May 31 window)
Fees and requirements checked on November 12, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.