Understanding FSVP and the Global Supply Chain

Just as Hazard Analysis is a critical part of SQF, the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is a critical part of FSMA, requiring U.S. importers to ensure their foreign suppliers meet FDA safety standards. FSVP holds importers accountable for evaluating and verifying that food produced abroad meets the same level of public health protection as food manufactured in the U.S.

With global sourcing becoming the norm, FSVP compliance is no longer a niche concern—it’s a central piece of operational and regulatory strategy. And this is where SQF proves especially valuable.

Where SQF and FSVP Align

The SQF Food Safety Code complements and reinforces FSVP requirements in several key areas:

• Supplier Approval and Monitoring: SQF requires documented supplier approval programs, risk-based evaluations, and ongoing monitoring. This directly supports FSVP’s mandate that importers evaluate supplier performance and verify preventive controls.
• Hazard Analysis: SQF-certified facilities must conduct hazard analyses of incoming goods, mirroring FSVP’s requirement for importers to identify known or reasonably foreseeable hazards.
• Verification Activities: SQF programs include testing, audits, and records reviews—offering the same types of verification mechanisms required by FSVP.
• Corrective Actions and Recordkeeping: SQF’s emphasis on documentation and corrective actions strengthens the FSVP requirement for importers to act quickly when foreign suppliers fail to meet safety standards.

Pro Tip: If your foreign supplier is SQF certified, their certification can serve as a key element of your FSVP verification strategy—provided it’s backed by hazard analysis and documented performance.

Supplier Approval is a Shared Priority

At the heart of both SQF and FSVP is supplier approval—a comprehensive process that goes beyond collecting documents. Both frameworks expect facilities to:

• Conduct risk-based assessments based on the type of food, country of origin, and supplier history
• Gather relevant documentation, such as certificates of analysis (COAs), audit results, food safety plans, and prior recall history
• Verify the effectiveness of controls, not just the presence of them, through third-party audits, product testing, and on-site inspections when appropriate
• Establish acceptance criteria and communicate expectations with suppliers in writing
• Continuously monitor performance, including complaint tracking, shipment rejections, and documentation review

In both systems, supplier approval is not a one-and-done activity. It’s an ongoing process that requires clear procedures, active oversight, and a mechanism for removing or flagging non-compliant suppliers.

Registrar Corp’s ComplyHub platform offers a digital solution for this complex process. It allows importers and facilities to:

• Store and manage supplier documentation in one centralized dashboard
• Automate reminders for expiring certificates, audits, or verification requirements
• Score and track supplier performance over time
• Create customized approval workflows aligned with both SQF and FSVP expectations

By using ComplyHub to document, organize, and monitor supplier compliance, companies reduce administrative burdens and demonstrate full traceability of their approval decisions—something both SQF auditors and FDA inspectors expect.

SQF & FSVP Strategic Value for Importers and Exporters

U.S. importers often face fragmented systems—one for certification, one for FDA compliance. SQF helps streamline those efforts. By aligning with FSVP expectations, SQF-certified facilities and importers can:

• Reduce duplication of supplier documentation and verification efforts
• Rely on GFSI-recognized certifications to satisfy aspects of FSVP
• Improve visibility into supplier food safety practices through audit results and program documentation
• Enhance risk assessments using SQF data and monitoring tools

Example: An importer sourcing spices from an SQF-certified supplier in India used the supplier’s audit reports, hazard analysis, and testing protocols as part of their FSVP documentation. This streamlined FDA inspection prep and reduced the need for redundant audits.

Registrar Corp’s Role in Bridging the Gap

Whether you’re a U.S. importer or a foreign supplier aiming to sell into the U.S. market, Registrar Corp helps:

• Build or refine FSVP programs
• Evaluate supplier compliance using SQF audit data and documentation
• Integrate ComplyHub to manage, monitor, and automate supplier verification workflows
• Train teams on the intersection of FSVP and SQF requirements
• Conduct mock inspections and document reviews for readiness

Final Takeaway: Integrated Assurance Across Borders

As global trade continues to expand, the need for harmonized food safety practices becomes more urgent. SQF and FSVP work hand-in-hand to create a food safety net that spans continents, reduces risk, and ensures trust across the supply chain.

Facilities that align their SQF certification with FSVP expectations—and leverage platforms like ComplyHub to operationalize supplier approval—aren’t just protecting public health. They’re building efficient, transparent, and resilient supply chains.