VQIP Importer Fees Announced for FDA Food Safety Program 2027
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2027 annual fee rate for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) that is authorized by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This fee is effective on August 1, 2026, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2027.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
FY2027 VQIP Annual Fee Set
If you are an importer approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP), the FY2027 annual user fee is $9,994. The fee is effective August 1, 2026 and remains in effect through September 30, 2027, and it supports VQIP benefits for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
No Small Business Fee Reduction Offered
FDA is not offering an adjusted (reduced) VQIP fee for small businesses for FY2027. Any future small business fee reduction would require notice-and-comment rulemaking before it could be applied.
Payment Deadlines and Participation Risk
To receive VQIP benefits for the year starting October 1, 2026, approved importers must pay the fee before October 1, 2026; for the first approved year the user fee may not be paid after December 31, 2026. If the fee is not paid before October 1 in a subsequent year, FDA will issue a Notice of Intent to Revoke and will revoke participation if payment is not received within 30 days of that notice.
Payment Methods and Limits Specified
Payments must be in U.S. currency from a U.S. bank and can be made by electronic check (ACH), credit card, or wire transfer via Pay.gov or FDA's User Fees Payment Portal. Credit card payment is available only for balances under $25,000; balances above $25,000 must be paid by ACH or wire transfer.
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