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Project-based service

Pet Food FSVP Importer Agent

When no U.S. owner or consignee exists at entry, a designated U.S. agent must serve as the FSVP importer. Under appointment, we appear as FSVP importer in entry filings, maintain the verification file, and interface with FDA inspections.

RegulatorU.S. FDA
Applies whenNo U.S. owner/consignee at entry
SetupA few business days
Takes effectPer shipment at entry
On this page

What this service is

Where pet food enters the U.S. without a U.S. owner or consignee, 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart L requires the foreign owner or consignee to designate a U.S. agent as the FSVP importer, named in the import entry and carrying the associated FSVP obligations.

The FSVP importer agent service puts a U.S.-based party in that role under appointment: named as FSVP importer in each entry, maintaining the FSVP verification file, and serving as the contact point if FDA conducts an FSVP inspection.

FSMA (2011)21 CFR Part 1 Subpart L

Who needs it

Pet food exporters without a U.S. entity that need a U.S. agent as FSVP importer
Companies that have completed FSVP verification and need the entry-filing connection
Businesses whose import structure changed (e.g., the former consignee exited) and must re-establish the FSVP importer

Prerequisites and sequence

Supplier facility FDA registration→FSVP Verification Report→Pet Food FSVP Importer Agent
  • An FSVP verification file exists or is being built in parallel (see the FSVP verification report service).
  • The foreign exporter and supplier facilities have completed FDA food facility registration.
  • An FSVP importer agent appointment agreement is signed, defining the division of duties.

Who holds regulatory responsibility

The appointed U.S. agent carries the FSVP importer's naming and record obligations within the scope of the appointment; the foreign exporter remains responsible for the truthfulness of product and supplier information and for providing documents needed for verification.

Materials we need from you

Signed FSVP importer agent appointment agreement
FDA facility registration details for the exporter and suppliers
Product and supplier list with food safety documentation
Commercial documents per shipment (invoice, packing list)

Process

  1. 01

    Sign the appointment agreement, defining duties and record ownership

  2. 02

    Establish or receive the FSVP verification file

  3. 03

    Appear as FSVP importer in each import entry

  4. 04

    Maintain the file and perform periodic reevaluation

  5. 05

    Act as the importer contact if an FDA FSVP inspection occurs

Deliverables

FSVP importer agent appointment agreement
FSVP importer naming in import entries
FSVP file maintenance and reevaluation records

Timeline

The appointment agreement and file handover typically complete within a few business days; the arrangement then takes effect per shipment at each import entry.

Scope

What we provide

  • Appointment agreement drafting and execution
  • FSVP importer naming in import entries
  • FSVP file intake and ongoing maintenance
  • FDA inspection liaison

What is not included

  • The FSVP verification report itself (separate engagement)
  • Customs bond and import duties/taxes
  • IOR customs brokerage services

What usually follows

Customs BondPet Food IOR

Common pitfalls

Appointing an agent before the FSVP file existsAn FSVP importer must hold a complete verification file. Being named without one exposes both the agent and the exporter if FDA inspects — finish the verification report first.
Confusing the FSVP importer with the IORThe FSVP importer is a role under FDA's food safety rules; the IOR answers to CBP for the entry and duties. Neither replaces the other, so set up each role deliberately instead of assuming one appointment covers both.
One agent, many suppliers — but no per-combination recordsAn agent can cover multiple suppliers, yet every supplier–product combination must have its own hazard analysis and approval record in the file. An appointment without the records has no substance behind it.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your product, quantity, and target market. Submit your product details and we will come back with a defined scope and quote.

Request a quote

FAQ

Is the FSVP importer agent the same as the IOR?

No. The FSVP importer is a role under FDA's food safety rules; the Importer of Record (IOR) answers to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the entry and duties. One shipment can have different parties in each role, or the same party serving both.

Can we appoint an agent before the FSVP file exists?

Not advisable. An FSVP importer must hold a complete verification file, so the verification report should come first; otherwise both parties are exposed if FDA inspects.

Can one agent cover multiple suppliers?

Yes, but every supplier–product combination must have its own hazard analysis and approval record in the FSVP file.

Related services

Pet Food FSVP ReportFSVP requires U.S. importers to perform hazard analysis, supplier evaluation, and verification for each foreign supplier–product combination and to keep complete records. We build the FSVP file and deliver the verification report; scope is priced per product.Pet Food Facility RegistrationAny facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds pet food for U.S. consumption must register with FDA and obtain an 11-digit registration number. A D-U-N-S Number and a U.S. agent are required first; we handle the full registration.Pet Food IORExporters without a U.S. entity can appoint a U.S.-based Importer of Record (IOR) to clear customs. We review entry elements, file the customs entry, and coordinate FDA release so pet food enters U.S. commerce compliantly.

Disclaimer

This service is governed by the appointment agreement; the boundaries of FSVP duties follow 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart L. This page is general information, not legal advice.