Foreign Supplier Verification Program Overview
Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rule, U.S. importers must have a written FSVP that is developed by a qualified individual and documents that they have completed risk-based activities meant to verify that the food they import into the United States is produced in a manner that is consistent with U.S. safety standards. Among other things, FSVPs must include an analysis of hazards associated with imported products and their suppliers and a plan for conducting verification activities, such as annual supplier audits, testing and sampling imported products, or reviewing a supplier’s HARPC Food Safety Plan. As part of the supplier analysis, importers must monitor and document the FDA compliance status of each of their suppliers by tracking FDA warning letters, import alerts relating to food safety, and other FDA enforcement actions.
Foreign Supplier Verification Program Deadlines
Importers’ deadlines are based on factors such as the size of a foreign supplier, the nature of the importer, and whether the foreign supplier must meet various regulatory requirements. The deadlines for complying with this rule passed for most importers in May 2017 and March 2018. The deadlines for other importers are scheduled to occur on dates ranging from July 26, 2018 to July 27, 2020.
Foreign Supplier Verification Program Enforcement and Compliance
FDA has begun inspecting importers for FSVP compliance. In 2017, failure to develop an FSVP was cited by FDA 108 times. FSVP inspections are based upon a review of records. Though such inspections may take place at an importer’s place of business, FDA may also ask that an importer provide FSVP records electronically or by some other remote means that quickly delivers records to the agency.
