December 9, 2025

What Is FSVP and Why It Matters for U.S. Food Importers: Requirements Explained

If you import food into the United States, you’ve probably heard about the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) — but what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

Whether you’re a new importer or have been sourcing food products for years, understanding FSVP requirements is critical for compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Failing to meet these regulations can result in shipment delays, import detentions, or even costly penalties.

In this article, we’ll break down what FSVP is, who it applies to, and why it’s essential for every U.S. importer to take it seriously.

What Is FSVP?

The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) — a major reform designed to shift the focus of U.S. food safety from response to prevention.

Under FSVP, U.S. importers must verify that the food they bring into the country meets the same safety standards as food produced domestically. This means ensuring that foreign suppliers are manufacturing, processing, and packaging food under conditions that meet FDA requirements for safety and sanitation.

Simply put, FSVP makes importers accountable for the safety of the food they import — it’s not just about getting shipments cleared; it’s about protecting public health.

Why Is FSVP Important?

FSVP plays a vital role in ensuring that imported food is safe for U.S. consumers. It helps prevent contamination, recalls, and public health crises by holding importers responsible for knowing their suppliers’ practices.

Here are a few reasons why compliance matters:

Public Health Protection: It ensures imported food meets the same safety standards as U.S.-made products.
Reduced Risk: Proper verification reduces the likelihood of foodborne illness outbreaks and costly recalls.
Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant prevents FDA enforcement actions, including import holds and warning letters.
Market Reputation: Demonstrating compliance builds trust with retailers, distributors, and customers.

Who Must Comply with FSVP?

In general, any U.S. importer of food, beverages, or dietary supplements intended for human or animal consumption must comply with FSVP.

An “importer” under FSVP isn’t necessarily the customs broker or logistics company — it’s the U.S. owner or consignee of the food at the time of entry. If there’s no U.S. owner, the foreign supplier must designate a U.S. agent or representative to serve as the FSVP importer.

Common Examples of FSVP Importers:

Food distributors importing foreign products under their brand
Grocery retailers sourcing from overseas
Food manufacturers using imported ingredients
Brokers or trading companies that take ownership before U.S. entry

Key Requirements Under FSVP

FSVP requires importers to develop, maintain, and follow a verification program that includes several core components:

1. Hazard Analysis

Identify and evaluate known or reasonably foreseeable hazards associated with the imported food — such as biological, chemical, or physical hazards.

2. Supplier Evaluation and Approval

Assess your suppliers’ food safety performance, compliance history, and preventive controls. Only work with suppliers that meet FDA safety expectations.

3. Verification Activities

Conduct verification procedures like on-site audits, food testing, or supplier documentation reviews to confirm compliance.

4. Corrective Actions

Take prompt action when food safety problems arise — this might include discontinuing imports from noncompliant suppliers.

5. Recordkeeping

Maintain documentation of all verification activities. FSVP records must be available for FDA review upon request.

Consequences of FSVP Noncompliance

The FDA actively enforces FSVP regulations. If you’re found noncompliant, you could face:

Refusal of entry for imported food
Import alerts or detention without physical examination
Official warning letters or inspection findings (Form 483s)
Suspension of importing privileges

These consequences not only disrupt your operations but can also harm your reputation and relationships with key partners.

How to Stay Compliant with FSVP

Compliance may sound daunting, but with the right processes in place, it’s manageable. Here are a few best practices:

Work only with qualified suppliers who understand FDA food safety requirements.
Develop a written FSVP plan and keep it updated.
Assign a qualified individual (QI) to oversee your FSVP program.
Conduct annual supplier reviews to ensure continued compliance.
Keep organized, accessible records for every imported product.

Many importers also partner with FSVP consultants or compliance specialists to manage documentation, conduct hazard analyses, and prepare for FDA inspections.

Taking the First Step Toward Compliance

Understanding and implementing FSVP is essential for any company importing food into the United States. Compliance doesn’t just protect consumers — it safeguards your business, reputation, and bottom line.

If you’re ready to strengthen your FSVP program or need guidance on meeting FDA requirements, reach out to our compliance experts today. We’ll help ensure your imports meet every standard — efficiently, confidently, and with full regulatory assurance.

more insights

Importing Food Into the U.S.? Here’s What FDA Expects From Your Business

January 7, 2026

A Practical Look at Food Import Compliance If your company imports food into the United States—or plans to—you’ve probably heard about FDA requirements, inspections, and “FSVP.” What many businesses don’t realize is how hands-on FDA expects importers to be when it comes to food safety. The good news? You don’t need to be a regulatory expert to stay compliant—you just need the right structure in place. Why FDA Focuses So Heavily on Food Importers The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates imported food to ensure it meets the same safety standards as food produced in the U.S. Since FDA can’t be everywhere overseas, it places responsibility on U.S.-based importers to verify supplier compliance. This approach is part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which shifted food safety from reaction to prevention. In short: If you import food, FDA considers you a key gatekeeper. What “Being Compliant” Actually Means for Importers FDA doesn’t expect perfection—but it does expect documentation, oversight, and accountability. Most importers are required to maintain a written Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) that shows: Even small or low-volume importers are not exempt from oversight. Where Importers Commonly Run Into Trouble Many potential clients seek help after receiving an FDA notice. The most common issues include: These gaps usually exist not because companies don’t care, but because the requirements aren’t explained clearly. What Happens During an FDA FSVP Inspection? An FDA FSVP inspection typically focuses on records—not your physical facility. Inspectors may ask to see: If documentation is incomplete or missing, FDA may issue a Form 483 or follow up with additional enforcement actions. Preparing in advance is far less costly—and far less stressful—than reacting after the fact. Do You Need Outside Help With FSVP? Many importers choose to work with FSVP specialists to: While responsibility always remains with the importer, expert support significantly reduces compliance risk and internal workload. The Smart Way to Approach Food Import Compliance Food import compliance isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about having a defensible system that shows FDA you take food safety seriously. Whether you import one product or manage a global supply chain, clarity and preparation make all the difference. If you’re unsure whether your current program would hold up under FDA review, that uncertainty alone is often a sign that it’s time for a professional assessment.