On May 30, 2017, compliance begins for the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) Rule. This rule imposes sweeping new changes on food importers and requires review and assessment of the food safety practices of foreign suppliers and their compliance history. Foreign suppliers must be approved pursuant to a written program before sourcing. The rule also requires new information to be submitted for customs entries: the FSVP importer must now be declared for each importation of FDA-regulated food (including dietary supplements) unless exempt.
Compliance is required on May 30 for the following items:
- Processed foods
- Livestock
- Dietary supplements
- Animal food/pet treats
- Certain produce items
- Honey produced on-farm
- Shell eggs
All of these items must have the FSVP importer declared for them or else the entries will be rejected with limited exceptions. Foreign persons cannot serve as the FSVP importer. Please see this USFI regulatory alert for more information and ways we can assist you if needed. Please contact us at 202.765.1800 or info@usfoodimports.com if you have questions or would like additional information.