Guides
FSVP and FDA import guides for food importers
Last updated October 22, 2026
12 guides for food importers answer one question each about the FSVP rule and FDA's import records, quote the regulation verbatim, cite primary sources with access dates, and link to the live data.
The FSVP rule
What 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart L asks of an importer, and how to document it.
- FSVP supplier evaluationFSVP supplier evaluation: what FDA requiresUnder 21 CFR 1.505, an FSVP importer must evaluate each foreign supplier and food before approving the supplier, considering the hazard analysis, who controls the hazards, and the supplier's performance, including whether it is the subject of an FDA warning letter, import alert…8 min read · updated
- FSVP supplier evaluation templateFSVP supplier evaluation templateA usable FSVP supplier evaluation template has one record per food and foreign supplier, with fields for the hazard analysis reference, the entity that controls each hazard, the supplier's…7 min read · updated
- FSVP reevaluationWhen to reevaluate a foreign supplier under FSVPUnder 21 CFR 1.505(c), an FSVP importer must promptly reevaluate a food and its foreign supplier whenever it becomes aware of new information about the factors in the original evaluation…7 min read · updated
- FSVP warning letterFSVP warning letters: what FDA citesFDA's FSVP warning letters most often cite an importer for not developing, maintaining and following an FSVP for the foods it imports (FD&C Act section 805 and 21 CFR 1.502(a)); other…8 min read · updated
Import alerts
What the lists mean, how to check a supplier and how a firm gets off an alert.
- how to check if a company is on FDA import alertHow to check if a supplier is on an FDA import alertTo check whether a supplier is on an FDA import alert, search the supplier's name in FDA's Import Alerts search, then browse the alerts for the supplier's country and product, because some…6 min read · updated
- import alert red list vs green listImport alert red list vs green list vs yellow listOn an FDA import alert, the red list names firms, products or countries that have met the criteria for detention without physical examination (DWPE), the green list names those that have…6 min read · updated
- detention without physical examinationFDA detention without physical examination (DWPE), explainedDetention without physical examination (DWPE) lets FDA detain an imported shipment without sampling or testing it, because the firm, product or country is listed on an import alert based on…7 min read · updated
- how to get off FDA import alertHow to get off an FDA import alertTo be removed from an FDA import alert's red list, the listed firm or its representative sends FDA a removal petition, usually by email to ImportAlerts2@fda.hhs.gov, showing that the…8 min read · updated
- difference between import alert and import refusalImport alert vs import refusal: what's the difference?An import refusal is FDA's final decision that one specific detained shipment may not enter the United States, while an import alert is a standing notice that lets FDA detain future…5 min read · updated
Refusals and FDA records
What happens when FDA refuses a shipment, what the charge codes say, and how to find a supplier's FEI.
- what happens when FDA refuses a shipmentFDA import refusal: what happens nextWhen FDA refuses an imported shipment, it issues a Notice of Refusal of Admission, and the goods must be exported or destroyed under CBP supervision within 90 days of the notice; goods not…7 min read · updated
- FDA refusal charge codesFDA refusal charge codes explainedAn FDA refusal charge code is the short label FDA records for the legal reason a shipment was refused, such as SALMONELLA, FILTHY, NO PROCESS or UNSAFE COL; each code maps to an official…9 min read · updated
- how to find FEI number of a foreign supplierHow to find a supplier's FDA FEI numberAn FEI (FDA Establishment Identifier) is the number FDA's systems assign to identify a firm.6 min read · updated
Comparisons
Fact-only comparisons with dated citations. Every claim about another product is taken from its own public pages.
- Registrar Corp alternativeRegistrar Corp alternative for FDA supplier monitoringIf you need to know when a foreign food supplier's public FDA record changes and want dated evidence for your FSVP file, SupplierRadar is a self-serve alternative to Registrar Corp's…6 min read · updated
- FDA Data Dashboard supplier searchFDA Data Dashboard vs SupplierRadar: what each doesFDA's free tools are the official sources: the FDA Data Dashboard lets anyone look up a firm's inspection classifications, compliance actions, recalls and import refusals by name or FEI…6 min read · updated
- FDA import alert monitoring softwareFDA import alert monitoring software: what to look forFDA import alert monitoring software watches FDA's public import alert lists, and usually refusals, warning letters, inspections and recalls, for the suppliers you name and emails you when…6 min read · updated
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SupplierRadar is not affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Data comes from public FDA records and may contain errors. This is not legal advice; importers remain responsible for their supplier evaluations.