Ensuring Compliance With The Foreign Supplier Verification Program
The Radius Group, Inc. specializes in serving as an FSVP Importer for foreign food suppliers and producers that are exhibiting at trade shows in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) now requires the appointment of FSVP importers to verify that foreign food is produced in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as is mandated for domestic producers. Only food items that meet those requirements will be approved for entry into the United States. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) was introduced in 2011, however the government of the United States only recently issued its final requirements regarding FSVP. The FDA began enforcement of these requirements on May 30, 2017.
What Is An FSVP Importer?
An FSVP Importer based in the U.S., such as The Radius Group, verifies that foreign food suppliers are using safe processes in the production of food, and must ensure that the supplier’s food is not adulterated or mislabeled. FSVP Importers are responsible for determining and foreseeing hazards and risks that could be posed by a food. They must evaluate information to determine if a supplier’s food production complies with the law, and therefore, can enter the U.S. Importers must also confirm that producers establish and follow a written set of procedures and follow an FSVP for each food brought into America.
Who Needs An FSVP Importer?
Foreign food suppliers that are planning to exhibit at trade shows in the United States need to appoint an FSVP Importer to confirm that the imported food meets U.S. food safety standards. International exhibitors at U.S. trade shows must identify an FSVP Importer in the United States on ACE entry documents. The FSVP Importer must be a U.S. party with a direct financial interest in the food product. At the time of entry into the U.S., the FSVP Importer must be the U.S. owner/consignee who owns the food, has purchased the food, or has agreed in writing to purchase the food. Customs brokers and warehouses are not considered FSVP Importers by the FDA.
Why Use The Radius Group?
The Radius Group is located in Elizabeth, N.J. in the same building as the FDA’s Port Newark office. The Radius Group serves as FSVP Importer on behalf of foreign food suppliers attending U.S. trade shows as exhibitors. In addition to its exceptional knowledge of FDA regulations, The Radius Group is also a well-regarded expert in trade show practices. Our team of highly trained professionals works with food exhibitors throughout the globe to provide consultation and ensure timely compliance with the FSVP requirements.
