Costco Wholesale Corp., Issaquah, Wash., is the first participant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for its Voluntary Qualified Importer Program.
The program, known as VQIP, is a voluntary fee-based program for importers that expedites the review and importation of food into the U.S. Importers must demonstrate the safety and security of their supply chains for approval, according to a news release.
Costco can use the program to speed up the import of foods and avoid unexpected delays, according to the FDA.
Participants must also ensure their foreign suppliers have been certified through the FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Program, which is a part of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Importers interested in the program can visit the FDA’s VQIP information page. The program’s web portal to apply is open through the end of May, to apply for participation for a year starting Oct. 1.
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