I. What is FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program)?
FSVP is a law, and one of a number of laws that implement the provisions of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). FSVP focuses on safe food practices is and has fundamentally changed the way that US food importers conduct business.
Put simply, FSVP is a set of FDA food-safety regulations that require all US importers bound by this law to verify that the food and food-related products they import from foreign suppliers are being produced in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as those produced domestically.
II. What/who does FSVP apply to?
FSVP applies to all importers and imports of food and food-related products, with some exceptions:
Imports intended for food research purposes or personal consumption are exempt. Imports of juice and some of the juice’s raw ingredients are exempt. Imports of certain meat, poultry, and egg products are exempt. Imports of alcoholic beverages and some of the raw ingredients intended for use in alcoholic beverages are exempt. And imports of seafood are exempt.
It is important to mention that although the framers of this law have allowed for specific exceptions, there are many caveats to those exceptions. I strongly recommend that each importer conduct a thorough review of FSVP’s applicability with respect to their individual circumstances.
A. When does FSVP come into effect?
It depends. The FDA has been rolling out FSVP compliance dates since May 2017. Factors such as an importer’s annual sales, the number of people employed, the size of their foreign supplier(s), and the type of imported food are all used to determine the appropriate compliance date.
The rule applies to both human and animal food products that are imported into the United States, regardless of whether they are for commercial or personal use. However, there are some exemptions, such as certain types of juice, fish, and alcoholic beverages.
Here are a few examples of situations where the FSVP rule would apply:
- A US-based company imports spices from India to use in their food products. The company would be required to implement FSVP to ensure that the Indian spice supplier is meeting US safety standards.
- An individual purchases cheese from a small farm in France and brings it back to the United States in their luggage for personal use. Since the cheese is not being imported for commercial purposes, the FSVP rule would not apply.
- A US-based distributor imports frozen fish fillets from China and sells them to restaurants and grocery stores. The distributor would need to comply with the FSVP rule to ensure that the Chinese fish supplier is meeting US safety standards.
- A company in Mexico exports canned vegetables to the United States for sale in US grocery stores. The Mexican company would not be subject to the FSVP rule, but the US-based importer of the canned vegetables would need to comply with the rule to ensure the safety of the products.
III. What is FSVP? The penalties for non-compliance.
Those that fail to meet the new requirements can face penalties ranging from a warning to imprisonment. The FDA is currently conducting regulatory audits and has made this new initiative its priority.
Here are some potential penalties for non-compliance with FSVP:
- Warning letter: If the FDA finds non-compliance during an inspection, they may issue a warning letter, which outlines the specific violations and provides a timeframe for corrective action.
- Import Alert: If the FDA determines that a foreign supplier has a history of non-compliance with FSVP, they may issue an Import Alert, which can result in the detention without physical examination of products from that supplier.
- Suspension of registration: The FDA has the authority to suspend the registration of any food facility, including importers, who fail to comply with FSVP regulations.
- Civil fines: Importers who violate FSVP regulations may be subject to civil fines, which can range from $10,000 to $500,000 per violation.
- Criminal penalties: In cases of intentional or knowing violations of FSVP regulations, importers may be subject to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
It’s important to note that the specific penalties for non-compliance with FSVP can vary depending on the severity of the violation and other factors. It’s always best to ensure compliance with all regulations to avoid potential penalties and protect the safety of consumers.
B. What/who is a “foreign supplier”
For the purposes of the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), a foreign supplier is any entity that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food products that are intended for importation into the United States.
This includes entities located outside the United States, such as foreign manufacturers, processors, packers, and storage facilities that produce or handle food products that will be imported into the United States. It also includes entities that may be located in the United States, but are controlled by a foreign entity, such as a US-based subsidiary of a foreign food manufacturer.
Under the FSVP rule, importers are responsible for verifying that their foreign suppliers are producing food products that meet US safety standards. Importers are required to establish and implement an FSVP for each foreign supplier, which includes identifying and evaluating potential hazards associated with the imported food, verifying that the supplier has controls in place to address those hazards, and taking corrective action when necessary.
It’s worth noting that there are some exceptions to the FSVP rule, such as for food products that are imported for personal consumption or certain low-risk foods. However, in general, most imported food products are subject to the FSVP rule, and importers are responsible for ensuring that their foreign suppliers are complying with US safety standards.
IV. What is FSVP? Costs Associated with Implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for Importers or Agents
The cost of implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for an importer or agent can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the supply chain, the number of foreign suppliers involved, and the level of expertise and resources available to the importer or agent.
Some of the costs associated with implementing an FSVP might include:
- Hiring a qualified individual or team to develop and implement the FSVP, including conducting hazard analyses, verifying foreign suppliers, and maintaining records.
- Training staff on the requirements of the FSVP and ensuring that they are familiar with the relevant regulations and guidance documents.
- Conducting onsite audits of foreign suppliers to verify compliance with US safety standards.
- Conducting laboratory testing and other analyses to verify the safety and quality of imported food products.
- Maintaining records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with the FSVP rule.
The cost of implementing an FSVP can also vary depending on whether the importer or agent decides to outsource some or all of the responsibilities associated with the program to a third-party service provider. However, it’s important to note that while there may be costs associated with implementing an FSVP, failure to comply with the rule can result in costly fines and other penalties, as well as potential harm to public health and safety.
A. Costs Associated with Hiring an Agent to Assist with Implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
The cost of hiring an agent to assist with implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the supply chain, the number of foreign suppliers involved, and the level of assistance needed.
Some of the costs associated with hiring an FSVP agent might include:
- Consulting fees: Agents may charge hourly or project-based consulting fees for their services, which can vary depending on their level of experience and the complexity of the FSVP.
- Audit and inspection fees: Agents may charge fees for conducting onsite supplier audits and inspections, which can vary depending on the number of suppliers involved and the level of detail required.
- Training fees: Agents may charge fees for providing training to importer staff on the requirements of the FSVP and how to maintain compliance.
- Recordkeeping and documentation fees: Agents may charge fees for developing and maintaining FSVP documentation and records.
It’s worth noting that while hiring an FSVP agent can add to the cost of implementing an FSVP, it can also help to ensure that the program is implemented correctly and in compliance with all relevant regulations. The cost of not implementing an FSVP correctly can be significant, both in terms of potential fines and the risk to public health and safety. As with any professional service, it’s important to compare costs and services from multiple agents to find the best fit for your business needs.
C. Factors Affecting the Duration of Implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
The time it takes to implement a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the supply chain, the number of foreign suppliers involved, and the resources available to the importer.
In general, the time it takes to implement an FSVP can range from a few weeks to several months or more. The following are some of the steps involved in the process and the time they may take:
- Hazard analysis: This involves evaluating the food safety hazards associated with the imported food products and can take several weeks to complete.
- Supplier identification: This involves identifying all of the foreign suppliers that provide food products to the importer and can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the supply chain.
- Supplier verification: This involves verifying that the foreign suppliers have adequate controls in place to ensure the safety of their products and can involve onsite audits, document review, and testing. The time required to complete this step will depend on the number of suppliers involved and the level of verification required.
- Recordkeeping: Importers are required to maintain records to demonstrate compliance with the FSVP rule. The time required to establish and maintain these records will depend on the size of the importer’s business and the volume of imported products.
It’s important to note that the FSVP is an ongoing process, and importers are required to continually monitor their suppliers and adjust their verification activities as needed. The time required to maintain an FSVP will depend on the importer’s level of involvement and the complexity of the supply chain.
D. Understanding the Role of the FSVP Importer in the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
An FSVP importer is a term used to describe the individual or entity that is responsible for ensuring that food products imported into the United States meet the safety standards established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), the FSVP importer is responsible for developing and implementing an FSVP for each foreign supplier of imported food products.
The FSVP importer is typically the US-based individual or entity that brings the food products into the United States or is the designated importer of record for the products. The FSVP importer can be a manufacturer, processor, distributor, or any other entity involved in the importation of food products.
The FSVP importer is responsible for ensuring that their foreign suppliers are producing food products that meet US safety standards. This includes identifying and evaluating potential hazards associated with the imported food products, verifying that the foreign supplier has controls in place to address those hazards, and taking corrective action when necessary.
It’s important to note that while the FSVP importer is responsible for implementing the FSVP, they may choose to hire an agent or third-party service provider to assist with some or all of the FSVP activities. However, regardless of whether the importer or an agent is responsible for implementing the FSVP, the ultimate responsibility for compliance with the rule lies with the FSVP importer.
E. Understanding the Location Requirements and Qualifications for FSVP Agents
There are no specific location requirements for an agent that is hired to assist with implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for an importer. The FSVP rule does not specify that the agent must be located in the United States, and there are no geographic limitations on where an agent can be located.
In fact, many FSVP agents operate on a global basis, providing services to importers and exporters located in different countries around the world. However, it’s important to note that the agent should be knowledgeable about the FSVP rule and familiar with the requirements for compliance, regardless of their location.
When selecting an FSVP agent, importers should look for someone with experience in implementing FSVPs, as well as expertise in the specific types of food products being imported. It may be helpful to work with an agent who has experience working with suppliers in the same region as the foreign supplier, as they may be more familiar with local regulations and practices.
Overall, the location of the FSVP agent is less important than their qualifications, experience, and ability to provide the necessary support and guidance to the importer.
F. Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of the “U.S. Owner or Consignee” in the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
For the purposes of the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), a “U.S. owner or consignee” refers to the individual or entity that owns the food products at the time of entry into the United States, or the individual or entity that has been designated as the importer of record for the food products.
The FSVP rule requires that the U.S. owner or consignee of the food products be identified and held responsible for ensuring that the imported food products meet US safety standards. This means that the U.S. owner or consignee must establish and implement an FSVP for each foreign supplier, which includes identifying and evaluating potential hazards associated with the imported food, verifying that the supplier has controls in place to address those hazards, and taking corrective action when necessary.
It’s important to note that the U.S. owner or consignee may not always be the same as the importer of the food products. For example, if a US-based distributor purchases food products from a foreign supplier and arranges for the products to be shipped directly to a US-based customer, the US-based distributor would be considered the U.S. owner or consignee, even though they did not physically import the products themselves. Regardless of the specific circumstances, the U.S. owner or consignee is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety of the imported food products.
G. Understanding the Concept of “Time of U.S. Entry” for the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) Requirements.
The term “time of U.S. entry” for Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) purposes refers to the point at which the imported food products arrive at the US port of entry. This is the point at which the food products are subject to inspection and review by US customs officials to ensure that they meet all applicable US laws and regulations, including food safety requirements.
Under the FSVP rule, the FSVP importer is responsible for ensuring that the imported food products meet US safety standards at the time of entry into the United States. This means that the FSVP importer must have established and implemented an FSVP for each foreign supplier of the food products prior to their arrival at the US port of entry.
If the imported food products do not meet US safety standards at the time of entry, the FSVP importer may be subject to penalties, including fines and the refusal of entry of the products into the United States.
It’s worth noting that the time of U.S. entry can be different from the time of arrival of the food products in the United States. For example, if a shipment of food products arrives at a US port of entry but is held for inspection or testing, the time of U.S. entry would be the time at which the products are released from US customs control and allowed to enter the country.
Time of U.S. entry is the time when the entry documentation for an individual imported food is submitted to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
H. Is the FSVP importer the same person as the importer of record recognized (IOR) by CBP for import entry?”
The FSVP importer is not necessarily the same person or entity as the Importer of Record (IOR) recognized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the purpose of import entry.
The FSVP importer is responsible for ensuring that the imported food products meet U.S. safety standards and for developing and implementing an FSVP for each foreign supplier of the food products. The FSVP importer can be any entity that owns the food products at the time of U.S. entry, or has been designated as the importer of record for the products.
The Importer of Record (IOR), on the other hand, is the person or entity that is responsible for entering the food products into the United States and complying with all applicable customs regulations. The IOR is typically the entity that is listed on the customs documentation as the party responsible for paying any applicable duties and fees.
While the FSVP importer and the IOR may be the same entity in some cases, they are not always identical. For example, a U.S.-based distributor that purchases food products from a foreign supplier may be the FSVP importer, responsible for ensuring the safety of the products, while a customs broker may be the Importer of Record, responsible for handling the customs clearance and entry of the products into the United States.
It’s important to note that while the FSVP importer and IOR may be different entities, they must work together to ensure that the imported food products are in compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements.
I. Distinguishing between a FSVP Agent and a U.S. Food Facility Registration Agent in the Importation of Food Products into the United States.
A FSVP agent and a U.S. food facility registration agent are not the same thing.
A FSVP agent is an individual or entity that is hired to assist with implementing a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for an importer. The FSVP agent may provide a variety of services, including conducting hazard analyses, verifying foreign suppliers, conducting onsite audits of foreign suppliers, and maintaining records.
A U.S. food facility registration agent, on the other hand, is an individual or entity that is designated by a foreign food facility to serve as their official contact with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The U.S. food facility registration agent is responsible for registering the foreign food facility with the FDA and serving as the primary point of contact for communications with the agency.
While both the FSVP agent and the U.S. food facility registration agent are involved in the importation of food products into the United States, their roles and responsibilities are different. The FSVP agent is responsible for ensuring that the imported food products meet U.S. safety standards, while the U.S. food facility registration agent is responsible for registering the foreign food facility with the FDA and serving as the official point of contact for communications with the agency.
It’s worth noting that an individual or entity may serve as both an FSVP agent and a U.S. food facility registration agent, but the two roles are distinct and involve different sets of responsibilities.
J. Understanding the Requirement for a U.S. Agent or Representative under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) Regulation.
Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) regulation, a U.S. agent or representative is required for each foreign food supplier that does not have a physical presence in the United States. This requirement applies to both human and animal food products.
The U.S. agent or representative serves as the point of contact between the foreign food supplier and the FDA, and is responsible for receiving communications from the FDA related to the foreign food supplier’s compliance with U.S. food safety regulations. The U.S. agent or representative can be any individual or entity that is located in the United States and has agreed to act as the agent or representative for the foreign food supplier.
In addition to serving as the point of contact with the FDA, the U.S. agent or representative may also be responsible for facilitating communications between the foreign food supplier and their U.S. customers, as well as assisting with other regulatory requirements, such as food facility registration.
It’s important to note that the requirement for a U.S. agent or representative applies only to foreign food suppliers that do not have a physical presence in the United States. If a foreign food supplier has a physical presence in the United States, such as a branch office or warehouse, a U.S. agent or representative is not required.
K. Understanding the Role of the Foreign Supplier in FSVP Compliance
The foreign supplier of a food is the individual or entity that produces, manufactures, processes, packs, or holds the food product that is imported into the United States. The foreign supplier can be any entity located outside the United States, including a manufacturer, processor, grower, distributor, or any other entity involved in the production, manufacture, or distribution of food products.
Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rule, importers are required to establish and implement an FSVP for each foreign supplier of the food products they import. This includes identifying and evaluating potential hazards associated with the food product, verifying that the foreign supplier has controls in place to address those hazards, and taking corrective action when necessary.
The foreign supplier is responsible for ensuring that their food products meet all applicable U.S. food safety regulations, including those related to hazards, labeling, and packaging. The importer is responsible for verifying that the foreign supplier is meeting these requirements and ensuring that the food products are safe for consumption by U.S. consumers.
It’s important to note that the foreign supplier may not always be the same as the exporter of the food products. The exporter is the individual or entity responsible for shipping the food products to the United States, while the foreign supplier is the entity responsible for producing, manufacturing, or processing the food products.
V. What are the requirements for an FSVP?
The requirements for an FSVP, or Foreign Supplier Verification Program, are designed to ensure that food products imported into the United States meet US safety standards. Some of the key requirements for an FSVP include:
- Hazard Analysis: Conduct a hazard analysis for each food product imported, to identify and evaluate potential hazards associated with the food product.
- Evaluation of Foreign Suppliers: Evaluate each foreign supplier to determine if they have adequate controls in place to prevent or minimize identified hazards.
- Verification Activities: Verify that the foreign supplier is complying with US food safety regulations through a range of activities, such as onsite audits, sampling and testing, and review of supplier records.
- Corrective Actions: Take corrective action when necessary to address any identified hazards or compliance issues.
- Recordkeeping: Maintain records related to the FSVP, including hazard analyses, supplier evaluations, verification activities, and corrective actions taken.
- Reevaluation: Reevaluate the FSVP periodically, or when changes occur in the supply chain, to ensure that it remains effective and up to date.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements for an FSVP may vary depending on the type of food product being imported and the specific circumstances of the importation. Importers should carefully review the FSVP requirements and work with a qualified individual or team to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Failure to comply with the FSVP rule can result in costly fines and other penalties, as well as potential harm to public health and safety.
VI. Who is a qualified individual for the FSVP?
A qualified individual is a person who has the education, training, or experience (or a combination of these) necessary to perform an activity required under the FSVP regulation, and can read and understand the language of any records that the person must review in performing this activity. A qualified individual may be, but is not required to be, an employee of the importer. You might also rely on non-employees such as a consultant or a designated FSVP agency.
- Establish and follow written procedures for ensuring that appropriate foreign supplier verification activities are conducted;
- Determine and conduct appropriate foreign supplier verification activities, such as onsite auditing, sampling and testing, and review of supplier food safety records; and
- Review and assess the results of verification activities and, if necessary, take appropriate corrective action.
For some of these activities, you may rely on other qualified entities to perform the activity provided that you review and assess documentation of the performance of these activities.
A. What are the requirements when there is no U.S. owner or consignee at the time of entry?
If there is no U.S. owner or consignee at the time of entry for a food product, the responsibility for compliance with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requirements falls to the U.S. agent or representative for the foreign food supplier.
In situations where there is no U.S. owner or consignee at the time of entry, the U.S. agent or representative must comply with the FSVP requirements as if they were the importer of record. This includes establishing and implementing an FSVP for each foreign supplier, conducting hazard analyses, evaluating foreign suppliers, verifying compliance with US safety standards, taking corrective actions when necessary, and maintaining records to demonstrate compliance with the FSVP rule.
The U.S. agent or representative may also be required to provide additional documentation or information to the FDA to demonstrate compliance with the FSVP requirements. This could include information related to the identity of the foreign food supplier, the food product being imported, and the specific hazards associated with the product.
It’s important to note that the requirements for an FSVP apply regardless of whether there is a U.S. owner or consignee at the time of entry. The U.S. agent or representative must ensure that the imported food product meets US safety standards and that all applicable requirements of the FSVP rule are met.
B. How does the FDA verify that I have a valid FSVP importer at entry?
When a food product under FDA oversight is offered for entry into the United States, your Custom Broker must send many documents and electronic codes prior to the entry. One of the automatic code indicate if your products are subject to FSVP regulation. And your custom invoice to US Customs. All the coordinates of your FSVP importer must appear on this document to cross the bord.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) verifies that an importer has a valid Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) at the time of entry through a variety of means.
One of the primary methods used by the FDA to verify compliance with the FSVP requirements is through the review of records and documentation related to the FSVP. At the time of entry, FDA officials may request that the importer provide documentation demonstrating that they have established and implemented an FSVP for each foreign supplier of the food products being imported. This documentation may include hazard analyses, supplier evaluations, verification activities, corrective action records, and other records related to compliance with the FSVP rule.
In addition to the review of records and documentation, the FDA may also conduct onsite inspections of the importer’s facilities and records to verify compliance with the FSVP requirements. During these inspections, FDA officials may review records related to the importer’s FSVP, as well as conduct interviews with the importer’s staff to ensure that they are familiar with the requirements of the FSVP rule.
Finally, the FDA may also conduct sampling and testing of food products at the time of entry to verify compliance with US safety standards. If the imported food products are found to be in violation of US food safety regulations, the FDA may take a range of enforcement actions, including detention, refusal of entry, or other administrative or legal actions.
It’s important for importers to ensure that they have established and implemented a valid FSVP for each foreign supplier of their food products, and that they maintain complete and accurate records related to the FSVP. This will help to ensure compliance with the FSVP rule and avoid costly penalties or other enforcement actions by the FDA.
VII. What are some consequences if I do not comply with the applicable FSVP requirements?
Failure to comply with the applicable Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requirements can have serious consequences for importers of food products into the United States. Some of the potential consequences of noncompliance with the FSVP rule include:
- Refusal of entry: If the imported food products are found to be in violation of US safety standards or other regulations, they may be refused entry into the United States.
- Detention: The FDA may detain imported food products if they are found to be in violation of US safety standards or if the importer is not in compliance with the FSVP requirements. Detention can result in significant financial losses due to product spoilage, additional storage and handling costs, and other expenses.
- Fines and penalties: Importers who are found to be in violation of the FSVP rule may be subject to fines, penalties, and other enforcement actions. These fines can be significant, with penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
- Damage to reputation: Noncompliance with the FSVP rule can also damage an importer’s reputation and result in a loss of business, particularly if the violation results in harm to public health or safety.
- Legal action: Importers who are found to be in violation of the FSVP rule may also face legal action, including civil and criminal penalties, and potential liability for any harm caused by the imported food products.
It’s important for importers to take the FSVP requirements seriously and to work with qualified individuals or teams to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. By taking proactive steps to establish and implement a valid FSVP, importers can help to ensure the safety of imported food products and avoid costly penalties and other consequences of noncompliance.
A. What are the consequences if I do not respond to an FDA request for records?
If an importer of food products into the United States fails to respond to a request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for records related to the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), there can be serious consequences.
Under the FSVP rule, importers are required to establish and maintain records related to their FSVP for each foreign supplier of the food products they import. These records may include hazard analyses, supplier evaluations, verification activities, corrective action records, and other documentation related to compliance with the FSVP rule.
If the FDA requests records related to an importer’s FSVP and the importer fails to respond, the FDA may take a range of enforcement actions, including:
- Refusal of entry: The FDA may refuse entry to imported food products if the importer fails to provide requested records related to their FSVP.
- Detention: The FDA may detain imported food products if the importer fails to provide requested records related to their FSVP.
- Fines and penalties: Importers who fail to respond to an FDA request for records may be subject to fines and penalties, which can be significant.
- Legal action: Importers who fail to respond to an FDA request for records may also face legal action, including civil and criminal penalties, and potential liability for any harm caused by the imported food products.
It’s important for importers to take requests from the FDA for records related to their FSVP seriously, and to respond promptly and thoroughly to these requests. By maintaining complete and accurate records related to their FSVP, importers can help to ensure compliance with the FSVP rule and avoid costly penalties and other consequences of noncompliance.
B. Consequences of Placing Food on Import Alert Due to Noncompliance with FSVP Requirements
If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that an importer is not in compliance with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requirements and places the food on Import Alert, there can be significant consequences for the importer and their business.
Import Alert is a tool used by the FDA to identify and monitor imported food products that may pose a safety risk to U.S. consumers. When an imported food product is placed on Import Alert, it is subject to detention without physical examination, which means that the product cannot be released into the United States until the importer takes corrective action to address the identified compliance issues.
If an imported food product is placed on Import Alert due to noncompliance with the FSVP requirements, the importer may be required to take a range of corrective actions, including:
- Submitting a written request for review of the detention: The importer must submit a written request to the FDA requesting a review of the detention and providing evidence that the imported food product meets US safety standards.
- Implementing corrective actions: The importer must take corrective actions to address the identified compliance issues, such as conducting hazard analyses, verifying foreign suppliers, and maintaining accurate records related to their FSVP.
- Reapplying for admission to the United States: Once the importer has taken corrective actions, they must reapply for admission of the detained food products into the United States.
Importers who fail to take corrective actions or who are unable to demonstrate compliance with the FSVP requirements may face additional enforcement actions by the FDA, including seizure, injunction, or other legal actions.
It’s important for importers to take the FSVP requirements seriously and to work with qualified individuals or teams to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. By taking proactive steps to establish and implement a valid FSVP, importers can help to ensure the safety of imported food products and avoid costly penalties and other consequences of noncompliance.