Who is the FSVP importer?
The importer carries the supplier-verification responsibility under FSVP.
- The importer is the U.S. owner or consignee at entry, or, if there isn't one, the foreign owner's U.S. agent or representative confirmed by signed consent (21 CFR 1.500).
- FSVP records must generally be kept for at least 2 years (21 CFR 1.510(c)).
- When FDA requests records held offsite, they must be provided within 24 hours (21 CFR 1.510(b)(2)).
Acting as Your Designated FSVP Agent
Foreign suppliers shipping food to the US must designate a US-based FSVP Agent, and we act as yours, managing supplier compliance, records and FDA communication.
- Serving as your official FSVP Agent for compliance and audits
- Handling FDA enquiries and supplier verification documents
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting of foreign supplier compliance
- Support for FDA inspections and enforcement actions
Supplier Compliance Assessments
FSVP requires US importers to verify that foreign suppliers follow FDA safety standards, and we assess your suppliers before importation.
- Reviewing supplier food safety and hazard control plans
- Verifying compliance with GMP and HACCP standards
- Ensuring proper record-keeping and documentation for FDA audits
- Evaluating supplier corrective action plans (CAPs) for previous violations
FSVP Agent & Assessments
Product Assessments for FDA Compliance
Before you import food, beverages or dietary supplements, we assess each product against FDA standards.
- Ingredient safety and allergen assessment
- Label review for compliance with FDA food labelling laws
- Evaluation of food safety risks and hazards
- Verification of claims (e.g., organic, non-GMO) for regulatory approval
Import Documentation & FDA Prior Notice Support
Proper documentation helps avoid shipment delays and FDA detentions, so we check your import documents against FSVP and Prior Notice requirements.
- Full FDA Prior Notice submission assistance
- Review of bill of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists
- Verification of supplier food facility registration status
- Assistance with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) coordination
Corrective Actions for FDA Non-Compliance
If your foreign supplier has been cited for FSVP violations or FDA import refusals, we help you put corrective actions in place and resume importing.
- Developing and submitting Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) to the FDA
- Working with foreign suppliers to improve food safety programmes
- Assisting with FDA re-inspection and compliance audits
- Re-evaluating supplier verification programmes for ongoing compliance
Foreign Facility Registration Services
We handle the full facility registration process for food, beverage, dietary supplement and cosmetic facilities.
- Preparing and submitting your FDA facility registration
- Ensuring accuracy in facility details to avoid delays or errors
- Managing renewals during the biennial renewal period
- DUNS confirmation and matching for all international countries
FSVP Programme Development and Records
We build and maintain the FSVP programme itself, so verification is documented and ready for FDA inspection.
- Hazard analysis for each food and foreign supplier combination, covering biological, chemical, physical and radiological hazards
- Verification activities before importing and at appropriate intervals afterwards
- FSVP records kept for at least two years (21 CFR 1.510)
- Periodic programme reviews and corrective actions when a supplier falls short
- Coordination with customs clearance and freight forwarding
Ongoing compliance support
Time-Saving
We manage supplier verification documents and FDA enquiries, so your team doesn't have to.
Regulatory Assurance
Ongoing monitoring keeps your foreign suppliers aligned with FSVP requirements under FSMA.
Peace of Mind
Audit-ready records and inspection support reduce the risk of detentions and enforcement action.
What you'll need
FSVP rests on supplier evidence, so gather these before appointing an agent.
- Supplier food safety plansHazard control plans from each foreign supplier.
- GMP or HACCP evidenceProof your suppliers work to recognised standards.
- Supplier recordsDocumentation kept ready for FDA audits.
- Shipping documentsBills of lading, commercial invoices and packing lists.
- Supplier registration statusConfirmation each supplier's food facility is registered.
Official sources
Related services: FDA US Agent service