Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
Your Simple Guide to FDA Compliance
Created by BQUALI LLC – FSPCA Lead Instructors
What is FSVP?
The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is an FDA regulation under FSMA. If you import food into the United States, you must verify that your foreign suppliers are producing food that meets U.S. food safety standards.
Who Must Comply?
- U.S. importers of food products
- Companies that use import agents or brokers
- Anyone whose name appears on the food’s entry declaration
The 6 Key Requirements of FSVP
- Develop an FSVP Plan
- Appoint a Qualified Individual (QI)
- Document your supplier verification activities
- Identify Hazards
- Perform a hazard analysis for each imported food
- Consider biological, chemical, and physical hazards
- Evaluate & Approve Foreign Suppliers
- Review supplier’s compliance history
- Assess risk level of the food and supplier
- Conduct Supplier Verification Activities
- On-site audits
- Sampling & testing
- Review of records
- Other appropriate verification methods
- Corrective Actions
- What will you do if a supplier fails verification?
- Document all corrective actions
- Maintain Records
- Keep all FSVP records for at least 2 years
- Make them available to FDA upon request
FSVP Compliance Checklist
- Appointed a Qualified Individual (QI)
- Written FSVP Plan in place
- Hazard analysis completed for each imported food
- Foreign suppliers evaluated and approved
- Supplier verification activities performed and documented
- Corrective action procedures established
- All records maintained for minimum 2 years
Common FSVP Mistakes to Avoid
- Using only certificates of analysis without further verification
- Not having a written FSVP plan
- Failing to document corrective actions
- Not appointing a Qualified Individual
Next Steps Recommendation
Score yourself:
- 6–7 checks → Strong – Keep maintaining
- 4–5 checks → Moderate – Needs improvement
- 0–3 checks → Urgent action required
Ready to become FSVP Qualified? Join our next Official FSPCA FSVP Training| Live Virtual
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