QIC Qualified Importer Certification for VQIP

Comply with US FSMA TPP rules and fulfill foreign supplier third part accredited certification requirements for VQIP.

Qualified Importer Certification (QIC) fulfills the prerequisite for importers applying to expedite the entry of food products under the VQIP (Voluntary Qualified Importer Program), a requirement under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Benefits of SGS QIC certification

We are recognized by the FDA under its third-party certification program (TPP) and accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to certify foreign food suppliers against FSMA QIC.

Certification demonstrates compliance with:

• TPP certification requirements for VQIP
• US FDA regulations

QIC certification applies to:

• Food, beverages and ingredient manufacturers – compliance audits against the preventative controls (PC) for human food rule and applicable regulations (including Juice HACCP, LACF, etc.)
• Pet food and feed manufacturers – compliance audit against the PC for animal food rule
• Seafood manufacturers – compliance requirements for Seafood HACCP and product-specific requirements
• Fresh produce farms – certification against the FDA Produce Safety rule for growers or fresh produce
• QIC certification is granted following an unannounced regulatory audit and must be renewed annually.

Why choose SGS QIC certification?

We are recognized as the benchmark for quality and integrity in the food supply sector. As an accredited third-party certification body, meeting the applicable requirements of 21 CFR part 1, sub-part M, we can conduct food safety audits and issue facility certifications to all eligible entities. Certification is valid for one year and is applicable to food categories regulated by the FDA, including categories that are not covered by the PC rules, such as seafood, juices, etc.

Wherever you operate in the world, our experts are ready to help you achieve compliance with US VQIP requirements for food and beverage products.