The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2026 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). The user fee rates are authorized by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and allow the agency to assess and collect fees to cover the FDA’s cost of administering these programs.
Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP)
VQIP is a voluntary fee-based program that offers importers who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States.
The FY2026 VQIP user fee supports program benefits from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Approved VQIP applicants must pay the user fee before October 1, 2025, to begin receiving benefits for FY 2026.
The FY 2026 VQIP User Fees are detailed in the Federal Register Notice announcing the FY 2026 VQIP User Fee Rates.
Please direct any questions regarding VQIP to the VQIP Importers Help Desk at 1-301-796-8745 or FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov.
Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP)
TPP is a voluntary program in which FDA recognizes “accreditation bodies” that may accredit third-party “certification bodies.” The certification bodies can conduct food safety audits and issue certifications of foreign food facilities. The FY 2026 TPP user fee rate will be effective on October 1, 2025, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2026.
Questions regarding TPP can be sent to FDAthirdpartyprogram@fda.hhs.gov.
The FY 2026 Third-Party Certification Fees are detailed in the Federal Register Notice announcing the FY2026 Third-Party Certification Program User Fee Rates.
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