Documents Needed for FDA Food Registration
Most people brace for a pile of paperwork. There isn't one — just a list of details to have ready before you open FURLS.
Key Takeaways
- No documents are uploaded — registration is an information submission via FURLS.
- Get a DUNS number first — it's free but can take a few weeks; it's the lead-time item.
- Have facility details ready — legal name, physical address (no P.O. box), trade names.
- Contacts — owner/operator, emergency contact, and (foreign) a U.S. Agent.
- Food categories + activity type for each — a common place to get it wrong.
- Save your PIN — you'll need the FURLS credentials to update and renew.
The Full List of Information (21 CFR 1.232)
Facility identity
- Legal facility name
- Physical address (no P.O. box)
- Preferred mailing address, if different
- Phone and email
- All trade names / DBAs the facility uses
- Parent company details, if a subsidiary
Identifiers & contacts
- DUNS number (Unique Facility Identifier)
- Owner/operator/agent-in-charge: name, address, phone, email
- Emergency contact (domestic facilities)
- U.S. Agent details (foreign facilities)
What the facility does
- Applicable food product categories (per 21 CFR 170.3)
- The activity type for each category
- Seasonal operating dates, if applicable
Statements & access
- Assurance that FDA may inspect the facility
- Certification the information is true and accurate
- FURLS account credentials and PIN (for renewals/updates)
Facility Activity Types
For each food product category, you choose the activity conducted — and you can select more than one:
The DUNS Number — Get It First
Since October 1, 2020, every registration must include a Unique Facility Identifier, and FDA recognizes the DUNS number as the acceptable UFI. It's assigned free by Dun & Bradstreet — but it can take a few weeks to issue, which makes it the one item to request before anything else.
Free
No cost from Dun & Bradstreet — you don't pay for a DUNS.
One per address
Each registered facility address needs its own DUNS number.
Must match exactly
The DUNS name and address must match the facility's — mismatches delay registration.
Getting Registration-Ready
Get a DUNS number first
Request it from Dun & Bradstreet early — it's free but can take a few weeks.
Gather facility identification
Legal name, physical address (no P.O. box), mailing address, phone, email, and all trade names.
Collect contacts & parent company
Owner/operator/agent-in-charge contacts, parent company if a subsidiary, and an emergency contact.
Designate a U.S. Agent (foreign)
Get the U.S. Agent's name, U.S. address, phone, and email — with their consent.
Choose categories & activity types
Select the applicable food product categories and the activity type for each.
Submit via FURLS & save your PIN
Create the FDA account, submit, and store the registration number and PIN for renewals.
We'll Gather It and Submit It Right
FDA Registration Assistance collects and checks your information, coordinates the DUNS, gets the categories and activity types right, serves as your U.S. Agent for foreign facilities, and submits your registration — accepted the first time and easy to renew.
Contact us at info@fdaregistrationassistance.com or call +1 (928) 275-8333. Trusted by food companies across 135+ countries, with 15+ years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents do I upload for FDA food registration?
None. It's an information submission through FURLS, not a document upload — you don't attach licenses, certificates, or plans. You do need specific information ready, listed in 21 CFR 1.232.
2. What information is required?
Facility name, address, and phone; a DUNS number; preferred mailing address if different; parent company if a subsidiary; all trade names; owner/operator/agent-in-charge contacts; food product categories; and the activity type for each. Foreign facilities add a U.S. Agent; domestic add an emergency contact.
3. Do I need a DUNS number?
Yes — since Oct 1, 2020 every registration needs a Unique Facility Identifier, and FDA recognizes the DUNS number. It's free from Dun & Bradstreet but can take a few weeks, so get it first. Each address needs its own, matching the facility name and address.
4. What are the activity types?
Options include manufacturer/processor, packer/repacker, labeler/relabeler, ambient/refrigerated/frozen storage warehouse, acidified and low-acid food processor, contract sterilizer, interstate conveyance caterer, farm mixed-type facility, salvage operator, animal food warehouse/holding, and other. You can pick more than one per category.
5. Do foreign facilities need a U.S. Agent?
Yes — a U.S. Agent with a real U.S. address, phone, and email, who also serves as the emergency contact unless another is designated. Have their details and consent before submitting.
6. Do I need a business license or incorporation certificate?
No — neither is required for the registration submission. They may matter elsewhere or at inspection, but not to register the facility.
7. Do I need a HACCP plan or GMP certificate?
No — not to register. They relate to how you operate and may be needed for compliance or inspection depending on your product, but registration only asks for the 1.232 information.
8. What food product categories do I select?
The categories matching what your facility handles, from FDA's list (referenced in 21 CFR 170.3, shown on Form 3537) — e.g. beverages, bakery, dairy, seafood, supplements. Match them to reality; wrong categories are a common error.
9. What contact info does FDA need?
The facility phone/email, owner/operator/agent-in-charge contacts, and an emergency contact. Domestic facilities provide an emergency contact; foreign facilities use the U.S. Agent unless another is designated.
10. Is there a certification I have to make?
Yes — an assurance FDA may inspect, and a certification the information is true and accurate. If a non-owner submits, they certify they're authorized and identify who authorized it.
11. What is the PIN, and why does it matter?
Your FURLS credentials and PIN are tied to the registration and needed to update or renew it later — store them safely. Losing access, or a provider holding them, complicates future changes.
12. Is there a fee?
FDA charges no fee to register or renew, and the DUNS is free. Any cost is for professional help preparing and maintaining the registration.
13. How long does it take once I have everything?
The submission is quick with complete, accurate information. The lead-time item is the DUNS number, which can take a few weeks — so getting it early drives your timeline.
14. How does FDA Registration Assistance help?
It gathers and checks your information, coordinates the DUNS, gets categories and activity types right, serves as U.S. Agent for foreign facilities, and submits through FURLS — for companies across 135+ countries.
15. How do I get started?
Contact FDA Registration Assistance at info@fdaregistrationassistance.com or call +1 (928) 275-8333 with your facility details.
