Project-based service
Pet Food FSVP Importer Verification Report
FSVP 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.
On this page
What this service is
The Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) rule is FSMA's import-side requirement (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart L): U.S. importers must verify that food produced by foreign suppliers meets U.S. food safety standards — for animal food, the preventive controls requirements of 21 CFR Part 507.
For each supplier–product combination, the FSVP importer must conduct a hazard analysis, evaluate and approve the foreign supplier, determine and perform verification activities (records review, sampling and testing, or onsite audit), document corrective actions, and retain complete records for FDA inspection.
Who needs it
Prerequisites and sequence
- A defined supplier and product list (workload and fees scale per product; each additional product increases scope accordingly).
- The supplier's facility has completed FDA food facility registration.
- The supplier can provide food safety documentation (hazard analysis, preventive controls plan, third-party audit reports, test records).
Who holds regulatory responsibility
The legal FSVP importer is the U.S. owner or consignee at the time of entry; where none exists, a U.S. agent designated by the foreign owner/consignee assumes the role. We conduct the verification and issue the report, but the FSVP importer's statutory duties cannot be delegated away.
Materials we need from you
Process
- 01
Determine FSVP applicability and confirm the importer of record for FSVP purposes
- 02
Conduct a hazard analysis for each product
- 03
Evaluate and approve the foreign supplier
- 04
Define verification activities per supplier–product combination
- 05
Issue the FSVP verification report and archive the file
- 06
Set an ongoing verification and periodic reevaluation cadence
Deliverables
Timeline
Depends on the number of products and suppliers and the completeness of supplier documentation; full verification of a single product typically takes several weeks, longer if supplier documents need supplementing.
Scope
What we provide
- FSVP applicability determination
- Per-product hazard analysis
- Supplier evaluation and approval
- Verification report drafting and record structure setup
What is not included
- Onsite supplier audits and associated travel costs
- Product laboratory testing fees (where chosen as a verification activity)
- Being named as FSVP importer in entry filings (see the FSVP importer agent service)
What usually follows
Common pitfalls
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.
FAQ
Who must comply with FSVP?
The U.S. owner or consignee at the time of entry is the legal FSVP importer. If there is no such U.S. party, the foreign owner or consignee must designate a U.S. agent to serve as FSVP importer.
How many products does one verification cover?
FSVP is performed per supplier–product combination. Workload and fees scale with product count — each additional product increases scope accordingly — with details fixed in the assessed plan.
Does FDA actually inspect FSVP records?
Yes. FDA conducts FSVP inspections of importers and reviews records on site; importers unable to produce a complete file risk measures such as import alerts.
How does pet food FSVP differ from human food FSVP?
The framework is the same; what differs is the underlying standard used in hazard analysis and verification — 21 CFR Part 507 for animal food versus 21 CFR Part 117 for human food.
Related services
Disclaimer
This is FSVP verification assistance; the statutory duties of the FSVP importer remain with the responsible party. This page is general information, not legal advice.