FSVP Importer Service to Import Food Products to America

ExportUSA offers an FSVP Agent service to companies looking to export food products to the United States.

The FSMA regulation requires a control role over food imports in America, even for American importers who must implement a verification and control program on the safety of the food production process for products to be imported to the United States. As part of this food safety regulation, it is necessary to appoint with U.S. Customs an FSVP responsible party when importing food products to America [FSVP Agent]

The FSVP Agent is the guarantor that the producing company has complied with the food safety standards imposed by the FSMA regulations. The FSVP Agent must be an individual residing in the United States with adequate professional training in the field of food production safety.

What to do to comply with the FSVP program requirements? This page explains what the FSVP program consists of and offers links to practical operational solutions provided by ExportUSA to export food products to America in compliance with U.S. regulations. FSMA requires American importers to adopt a verification program (FSVP) with foreign suppliers aimed at demonstrating that:

• The production of imported food products has been carried out in accordance with FSMA regulations
• The food products to be imported are not adulterated and list all allergens completely.

The FSVP program is "risk-based" and varies depending on the inherent risks of the food product to be imported to the United States.

Exempt from the FSVP:

• Companies subject to other safety protocols, such as HACCP in the case of fruit juices and fish.
• Products used for research or evaluation purposes (e.g., test samples)
• Food products used for personal consumption.
• Alcoholic beverages and wine and ingredients for the production of alcoholic beverages (when the importer uses them for the production of these products)
• Food products transported within the United States, not intended for distribution in the United States.
• Food products imported to be used in other production processes when the final product is then exported.
• Reimportation of food products already exported from America.
• Red meat, poultry, and egg products subject to USDA regulations at the time of importation.

The audits on suppliers required by the FSVP must be conducted by Qualified Auditors who must have the training, degree, or experience (or a combination of these) necessary to demonstrate the competence to perform verification activities in accordance with the FSVP.
 

Accreditation of auditors within the FSVP program

FSMA has established a program for the qualification and accreditation of third-party control bodies that can certify foreign suppliers. The Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) will allow for streamlined customs clearance procedures and a reduction in sampling of products at customs, an element that will be of particular interest to American importers.

RELATED TOPICS

FDA Certification: All the steps to follow to export food products to the United States
FSMA Certification
Products exempt from FSMA certification