The Foreign Supplier Verification Program for Food Importers (FSVP) is one of the most significant Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) provisions and greatly impacted the food industry. On May 10, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened a specific “FSVP Importer Portal for FSVP Records Submission.” This portal will streamline the way importers submit their FSVP records if they so choose.
Under FSVP, importers must create and maintain a food safety verification plan to ensure each of their foreign suppliers meets FDA’s food safety standards. Importers must determine possible hazards and evaluate the risks posed by the food. A plan, prepared or reviewed by a preventive controls qualified individual (PCQI), is needed for each food and supplier. Importers are also required to perform verification activities, depending on the type of hazards determined. Importers must take corrective actions if issues arise. Recordkeeping is a crucial component of FSVP compliance to document the hazard analyses, risk evaluations, and ongoing supplier verification activities.
This new portal will make recording keeping and communication between importers and the FDA much easier. Importers who currently already have an FDA account ID and password can log on to FDA’s Unified Registration and Listing System (FURLS) and scroll down to the section labeled “FURLS FSVP Importer Portal for FSVP Records Submission” to begin submitting their documentation. Those without an account can also go to the FURLS page and begin the process of creating one.
This past year, FDA has ramped up enforcement on FSVP, and it is now part of every FDA audit. If you are not currently compliant with FSVP, it is imperative that you reach out to someone who can help. Delaying your firm’s FSVP implementation may be costly. With nearly 100 years of former FDA and FDA/Customs experience, our team expertly assists its clients with their FSVP compliance. We can help you avoid delays and confusion, develop commercial relationships promoting transparency, and protect your international business transactions. Contact us today to learn about how we can help your business comply with FSVP and all other FDA regulations.
