21 U.S.C. § 384b Voluntary Qualified Importer Program

• Library: United States Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current through P.L. 118-34 (published on www.congress.gov on 12/26/2023), except for [P. L. 118-31]
• Year: 2023
• Citation: 21 U.S.C. § 384b

(a) In general

Beginning not later than 18 months after January 4, 2011, the Secretary shall-

(1) establish a program, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security-

(A) to provide for the expedited review and importation of food offered for importation by importers who have voluntarily agreed to participate in such program; and

(B) consistent with section 384d of this title, establish a process for the issuance of a facility certification to accompany food offered for importation by importers who have voluntarily agreed to participate in such program; and

(2) issue a guidance document related to participation in, revocation of such participation in, reinstatement in, and compliance with, such program.

(b) Voluntary participation

An importer may request the Secretary to provide for the expedited review and importation of designated foods in accordance with the program established by the Secretary under subsection (a).

(c) Notice of intent to participate

An importer that intends to participate in the program under this section in a fiscal year shall submit a notice and application to the Secretary of such intent at the time and in a manner established by the Secretary.

(d) Eligibility

Eligibility shall be limited to an importer offering food for importation from a facility that has a certification described in subsection (a). In reviewing the applications and making determinations on such applications, the Secretary shall consider the risk of the food to be imported based on factors, such as the following:

(1) The known safety risks of the food to be imported.

(2) The compliance history of foreign suppliers used by the importer, as appropriate.