The Food and Drug Administration is extending the application period for the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program.
Companies have until July 31 to apply for the program, and the FDA plans to review them by Oct. 1, the start of the annual benefits period, according to an FDA release.
The FDA “understands that current travel restrictions and advisories related to the COVID-19 health emergency” have hindered the ability of certification companies to conduct onsite inspections and issue certifications to foreign entities, which are required through the VQIP.
The voluntary fee-based program provides expedited reviews and imports, according to the release. It was established by the Food Safety Modernization Act; participants must meet eligibility criteria to ensure foreign suppliers have been certified by an FDA-approved certification body, according to the release.
For more pandemic-related coverage, see The Packer’s COVID-19 webpage.
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