FDA Food Facility Registration — FAQs

Common questions about FDA food facility registration answered by LMG — who must register, DUNS number, renewal requirements, US FDA Agent, and FSMA compliance.

All Your Questions AnsweredBiennial RenewalDUNS RequiredSince 2009

FDA Food Facility Registration — Frequently Asked Questions

FDA food facility registration is a legal requirement under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for most domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States. Required under Section 415 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), registration must be completed with the FDA before a facility can ship food products to or within the U.S. market.
This FAQ answers the most common questions about who must register, when registration is required, how to register, and what happens if a facility fails to register or renew on time. It also covers common mistakes that lead to rejected registrations or FDA import alerts — and how working with an experienced FDA regulatory consultant like Liberty Management Group (LMG) can help you avoid them.
Whether you are registering for the first time, renewing a biennial registration, or responding to a registration cancellation or suspension, LMG handles the entire process on your behalf — accurately, efficiently, and at a fixed, transparent price.

Common questions about FDA food facility registration.

Who must register a food facility with FDA?

Owners, operators, or agents in charge of domestic or foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States must register with FDA.

Is there an FDA fee for food facility registration?

No. There is no FDA government fee for food facility registration. LMG service fees cover the registration assistance and US FDA Agent service.

When must food facility registration be renewed?

Food facility registration must be renewed biennially (every 2 years) during October 1–December 31 of even-numbered years.

Is a DUNS number required for FDA food registration?

Yes. A DUNS number is required as the Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) for all FDA food facility registrations and renewals.

Is a US FDA Agent required?

Yes. All foreign food facilities must designate a US FDA Agent. The agent must be located in the United States and available to receive FDA communications.

Does dietary supplement establishment require FDA registration?

YES, Dietary supplement establishment also require U.S. FDA registration.

What happens if my food facility registration lapses?

Products from facilities with lapsed registrations may be refused entry into the USA. Importers may face FDA detention at US ports of entry.

How long does FDA food facility registration take?

With LMG assistance, most food facility registrations are completed within 1–3 business days.

Does LMG handle the biennial renewal?

Yes. LMG handles the biennial renewal at no additional government fee. LMG service fees apply.

Does FDA registration number denote US FDA approval?

No, FDA registration number does not denote FDA approval, U.S. FDA will assign a unique registration number to each registered facility.

Does food facility will get FDA registration certificate from U.S. FDA?

No, U.S. FDA does not issue a registration certificate nor does U.S. FDA recognize a registration certificate. Liberty Management Group Ltd. will issue a registration certificate for the records of the facility.

Does FDA registration number expire?

No, U.S FDA registration number does not expire, But biennial registration renewal is required as per new FSMA act.

Does U.S. FDA inspect food facility before assigning registration number?

No, U.S. FDA is not inspecting food facilities before assigning registration number, but FDA may inspect the facility after registration.

Does food facility submit product labels for US FDA registration?

No, Food product labels are not required for U.S. FDA registration. U.S FDA does not review or approve food labels

Do each food product will get FDA registration number?

No, U.S FDA will assign FDA registration number to each food facility, not for each food product.