21 CFR 1.232(a)(2)
Food Facility Registration information must include a Unique Facility Identifier recognized as acceptable by FDA. FDA currently recognizes DUNS as an acceptable UFI.
FDA UFI Guidance →
DUNS Number
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Food facilities that are required to register with FDA must include a Unique Facility Identifier recognized as acceptable by FDA. Under 21 CFR 1.232(a)(2), the UFI requirement has applied since October 1, 2020. FDA currently recognizes the Dun & Bradstreet D‑U‑N‑S Number as an acceptable UFI for Food Facility Registration. FDA uses the UFI to verify that the facility-specific address associated with the identifier matches the facility address in the FDA registration.
DUNS / FDA UFI — Quick Facts
FDA RequirementFacilities that must register under FDA's Food Facility Registration rules must provide a UFI recognized as acceptable by FDA.
Currently Accepted UFIFDA currently recognizes the Dun & Bradstreet D‑U‑N‑S Number as an acceptable UFI for Food Facility Registration.
Who Must Register?Generally facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the U.S., unless an exemption in 21 CFR 1.226 applies.
Location-SpecificD&B instructs businesses with multiple locations to obtain a separate D‑U‑N‑S Number for each location.
Address MatchingFDA uses the UFI to verify that the facility-specific address associated with the UFI is the same address used in the Food Facility Registration.
D&B CostD&B states there is no charge to request and receive a standard D‑U‑N‑S Number. Paid expedited D&B processing may be offered separately.
D&B TimingD&B states normal processing can take up to 30 business days. Actual timing depends on validation and the request.
Our Professional Fee$399 one-time service fee for DUNS request/lookup/update assistance and FDA UFI coordination within the agreed scope.
Important Fee Disclosure The $399 is our professional assistance fee — it is not a fee charged by FDA or a required D&B fee for a standard D‑U‑N‑S Number. Businesses may request a standard D‑U‑N‑S Number directly from Dun & Bradstreet at no charge.
We help determine whether the facility already has a D‑U‑N‑S Number, request or update the location record when needed, verify the facility details, and coordinate the identifier with the FDA Food Facility Registration information.
$399 USD One-Time Professional Assistance Fee D&B's standard D‑U‑N‑S Number itself can be requested directly from D&B at no charge. Our fee covers professional request/lookup/update assistance and FDA UFI coordination within the agreed scope.
1,000+
Clients Supported
135+
Countries Served
15+
Years Regulatory Experience
9-Digit
D‑U‑N‑S Identifier
About DUNS & FDA UFI
What Is a D‑U‑N‑S Number and Why Does FDA Use It?
A D‑U‑N‑S Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet. For FDA Food Facility Registration, the UFI requirement helps FDA verify the identity and physical location of a facility and improve the accuracy of its registration database.
The requirement applies to facilities that are actually required to register. FDA specifically warns businesses not to register a food facility when registration is not required, so the first step should be confirming registration applicability rather than assuming every food-related business needs a DUNS for FDA purposes.
- Confirm whether the establishment is required to register as a food facility
- Search for an existing D‑U‑N‑S Number before requesting a duplicate
- Verify that the legal facility name and physical address are accurate in D&B records
- Coordinate the UFI with the same facility location used in FDA Food Facility Registration
- Keep D&B and FDA records current when relevant facility information changes
FDA registration applies to facilities — not simply to brands, websites, Amazon accounts, or products.
Facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for U.S. consumption generally must register unless an exemption applies. Farms, restaurants, retail food establishments, private residences, and other exempt establishments can fall outside the registration requirement depending on the facts.
FDA UFI Requirements
What Must Match for a Food Facility DUNS / UFI?
The goal is not simply to obtain nine digits. The D&B location record must correspond to the facility being identified in the FDA registration.
Requirement 01
Correct Physical Facility Location
The D‑U‑N‑S Number should identify the actual business location associated with the FDA-registered facility.
- Physical facility address
- Correct city/state/province/postal code
- Correct country
- Location-specific DUNS record
- No accidental parent-office substitution
Requirement 02
Consistent Facility Identity
Business identity information should be reviewed for consistency before it is used in the FDA Food Facility Registration.
- Legal facility/business name
- Trade-name distinctions where applicable
- Address formatting differences
- Existing DUNS duplicates or old records
- Current operating entity/location
Requirement 03
Registration Applicability
Only establishments subject to FDA Food Facility Registration need to satisfy the Food Facility Registration UFI requirement.
- Manufacturing/processing facilities
- Packing facilities
- Holding/storage facilities
- Human and animal food operations
- Exemption review under 21 CFR 1.226
Requirement 04
FDA Registration Coordination
The UFI is one required registration data element; it does not replace the Food Facility Registration number or other required information.
- UFI entered in the facility information section
- Foreign-facility U.S. Agent handled separately
- Registration number remains separate
- Biennial renewal remains separate
- Required updates handled when facility data changes
FDA UFI Facts
Four Facts That Prevent Most DUNS / FDA Registration Problems
FDA UFI compliance is about the correct facility, the correct identifier, and consistent location information.
9
Digits
A D‑U‑N‑S Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet.
2020
UFI Requirement Effective
Since October 1, 2020, facilities must include an FDA-recognized UFI with Food Facility Registration information.
$0
D&B Standard DUNS Fee
D&B states there is no charge to request and receive a standard D‑U‑N‑S Number.
2 yrs
FDA Food Registration Renewal Cycle
Food Facility Registrations renew every even-numbered year between October 1 and December 31.
How It Works
DUNS Number Request Assistance in 4 Steps
We first confirm whether a DUNS already exists, then coordinate the correct facility record rather than automatically creating a duplicate.
1
Facility & Registration Review
Collect the legal facility name, physical address, country, business information, and existing FDA registration details when applicable.
2
DUNS Lookup / Request / Update
Determine whether the location already has a D‑U‑N‑S Number and assist with the appropriate D&B request or record-update process when needed.
3
Location Record Verification
Review the D&B facility information for consistency with the physical location and the information intended for FDA Food Facility Registration.
4
FDA UFI Coordination
Coordinate the verified UFI with the Food Facility Registration process or advise what must be updated before the FDA registration/renewal is completed.
What We Handle
What the $399 Professional Assistance Service Covers
The service fee is for our work assisting with the DUNS/UFI process. It is separate from D&B's no-cost standard D‑U‑N‑S Number and separate from FDA government fees.
01
Applicability Review
Confirm whether the location is using DUNS for Food Facility Registration, FSVP importer identification, or another purpose so the correct entity/location is used.
02
Existing DUNS Search
Check whether the business location already has a D‑U‑N‑S Number before starting a new-number request.
03
New Request Assistance
Assist with the D&B information needed for a new business-location DUNS request when no appropriate number exists.
04
DUNS Record Update
Assist with correcting or updating location information when the existing D&B record does not accurately reflect the current facility information.
05
Address Alignment
Compare the D&B location information with the facility address intended for Food Facility Registration.
06
Duplicate / Wrong-Location Review
Identify obvious duplicate or parent-company/location issues that could cause the wrong identifier to be used.
07
FDA Registration Coordination
Coordinate the verified UFI with an FDA Food Facility Registration, update, or renewal engagement when that service is included.
08
Status & Client Guidance
Keep the client informed about outstanding D&B validation steps, information requests, and next actions within the service scope.
Do Not Confuse the Numbers
DUNS / UFI vs FDA Food Facility Registration Number
Both can appear in the same compliance workflow, but they serve different purposes.
| D‑U‑N‑S / UFI | FDA Food Facility Registration Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued / Managed By | Dun & Bradstreet assigns and manages D‑U‑N‑S Numbers. | FDA issues the Food Facility Registration number after a registration is successfully completed. |
| Primary Purpose | Identifies the business/facility location and serves as FDA's currently accepted UFI. | Identifies the facility's FDA Food Facility Registration record. |
| Does One Replace the Other? | No. | No. |
| Government / Issuer Fee | D&B states the standard D‑U‑N‑S Number is available at no charge. | FDA does not charge a government fee for Food Facility Registration or renewal. |
Key point: obtaining a DUNS Number does not register a facility with FDA, and an FDA registration number does not replace the required UFI.
Two Different FDA Uses
Food Facility UFI vs FSVP Importer UFI
FDA uses DUNS in more than one food-compliance context. The correct entity and location can differ.
| Food Facility Registration UFI | FSVP Importer UFI | |
|---|---|---|
| Who Is Identified? | The domestic or foreign food facility being registered. | The FDA-defined FSVP importer for the entry line of covered imported food. |
| Where Used? | Food Facility Registration / renewal information. | Electronic import-entry information filed with CBP/FDA for covered food entry lines. |
| Same Entity Automatically? | No. | No. The FSVP importer can be different from the foreign manufacturing facility and can differ from the CBP importer of record. |
| Current FDA-Recognized Identifier | DUNS. | DUNS under FDA's current FSVP UFI guidance. |
Do not copy a foreign manufacturer's DUNS into the FSVP importer field unless that entity actually meets FDA's FSVP importer definition and the entry information is correct.
Service Transparency
Request DUNS Directly vs Use Professional Assistance
A D‑U‑N‑S Number is available directly from Dun & Bradstreet at no charge. Our service is optional professional assistance.
| Direct With D&B | FDA Registration Assistance | |
|---|---|---|
| DUNS Cost | D&B states a standard D‑U‑N‑S Number is free. | $399 professional assistance fee; not a D&B or FDA government fee. |
| Existing-Number Review | You perform the lookup and determine whether the correct location already has a number. | We assist with lookup, location review, and the request/update path within scope. |
| FDA UFI Alignment | You are responsible for matching the D&B location information with the FDA facility-registration data. | We review the DUNS/UFI information in the context of the FDA registration workflow. |
| D&B Processing Control | D&B controls validation and issuance. | D&B still controls validation and issuance; our service cannot guarantee D&B timing or approval. |
Why this matters: we do not represent the $399 as the price of the DUNS Number itself. It is the price of professional assistance with the DUNS/UFI process.
Glossary
DUNS & FDA Food Facility Terms
These terms separate the business identifier from the FDA registration record and the importer-specific FSVP identifier.
D‑U‑N‑S Number
A unique nine-digit business identifier assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet.
UFI
Unique Facility Identifier — an identifier recognized as acceptable by FDA for the regulatory purpose involved.
Food Facility Registration
FDA registration required for covered domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for U.S. consumption, subject to exemptions.
FFR Number
The FDA Food Facility Registration number associated with the facility's registration record. It is not the same as the DUNS/UFI.
Physical Facility Address
The actual location of the facility. FDA uses the UFI to help verify that the associated facility-specific address matches the registration.
D&B
Dun & Bradstreet, the organization that assigns and manages D‑U‑N‑S Numbers.
FURLS / FIS
FDA Industry Systems / Food Unified Registration and Listing System tools used for FDA registrations and related submissions.
Biennial Renewal
Required renewal of Food Facility Registration during October 1–December 31 of each even-numbered year.
U.S. Agent
A separate FDA Food Facility Registration role required for covered foreign food facilities. A DUNS Number does not replace the U.S. Agent.
FSVP Importer
The party defined by FDA's FSVP regulation that is responsible for applicable foreign-supplier verification requirements. Its UFI role is separate from the foreign facility's registration UFI.
Registration Exemption
A statutory/regulatory category that is not required to register as a food facility under the applicable FDA rules.
DUNS Record Update
A request to D&B to correct or update business information associated with an existing D‑U‑N‑S Number.
Common Problems
Common DUNS / FDA UFI Problems
Most problems come from using the wrong location, requesting unnecessary registrations, or letting D&B and FDA records drift apart.
Wrong Facility Location
A parent office, mailing address, or unrelated branch DUNS is used instead of the actual FDA-registered facility location.
D&B / FDA Address Mismatch
The UFI points to an address that does not correspond to the facility-specific address in the FDA registration.
Duplicate DUNS Request
A new number is requested before checking whether the location already has an existing D‑U‑N‑S Number.
Registering a Facility That Is Exempt
The business assumes every food-related establishment must register even though FDA exempts certain farms, restaurants, retail establishments, private residences, and others.
Confusing DUNS With FDA Registration
A DUNS Number is obtained and the business incorrectly assumes the FDA Food Facility Registration is now complete.
Using Facility DUNS as FSVP Importer DUNS
The foreign manufacturer's identifier is transmitted for FSVP even though a different U.S. entity is the FDA-defined FSVP importer.
Outdated Business Information
The facility's legal name or location data changes but the D&B profile and FDA registration are not reviewed for consistency.
Sharing FDA Credentials Unnecessarily
FDA warned in July 2026 about third parties requesting FFR numbers, PINs, FIS-FURLS usernames, or passwords merely to verify registration status. Protect account credentials.
Related Services
Related FDA Food Facility & UFI Services
These services directly connect to the facility-registration or importer-identification workflows where DUNS/UFI issues commonly arise.
Foreign Food Facility Registration
FDA Food Facility Registration and U.S. Agent support for covered foreign food facilities.
Domestic Food Facility Registration
Registration and update support for covered U.S. food facilities, including UFI coordination.
Food Facility Renewal
Biennial Food Facility Registration renewal support, including current registration and UFI review.
Food Facility U.S. Agent
U.S. Agent representation for covered foreign food facilities. The U.S. Agent role is separate from DUNS/UFI.
FSVP Compliance
FSVP importer determination and compliance support, including the separate importer UFI requirement at entry.
FDA Food Compliance Services
Food Facility Registration, U.S. Agent, FSVP, Prior Notice, labeling, renewal, and related food compliance support.
FAQs
DUNS Number & FDA UFI — Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers about FDA Food Facility Registration, DUNS cost, address matching, multiple locations, exemptions, FSVP importer DUNS, renewals, timelines, and professional assistance.
What is a D‑U‑N‑S Number?
A D‑U‑N‑S Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet. FDA currently recognizes DUNS as an acceptable Unique Facility Identifier for Food Facility Registration.
What does UFI mean for FDA Food Facility Registration?
UFI means Unique Facility Identifier. Under 21 CFR 1.232(a)(2), facilities that are required to register must include a UFI recognized as acceptable by FDA with their registration information.
Does FDA currently accept DUNS as the Food Facility Registration UFI?
Yes. FDA's current food-facility guidance states that, to date, FDA recognizes the Data Universal Numbering System D‑U‑N‑S Number as an acceptable UFI.
Does every food business need a DUNS Number for FDA?
No. The Food Facility Registration UFI requirement applies to facilities that are required to register with FDA. Some establishments are exempt from Food Facility Registration, including certain farms, restaurants, retail food establishments, private residences, and other categories listed in 21 CFR 1.226.
Which food facilities generally must register with FDA?
FDA states that facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food intended for human or animal consumption in the United States generally must register before beginning those activities unless a specific exemption applies.
Is 'labeling food' by itself one of the Food Facility Registration activities?
FDA's core registration rule is based on manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding food. A business should not assume that merely designing or applying labels automatically creates a separate Food Facility Registration requirement without reviewing the actual facility activities.
Do foreign food facilities need a DUNS Number?
A foreign food facility that is required to register must provide an FDA-recognized UFI just like a covered domestic facility. FDA currently recognizes DUNS as an acceptable UFI.
Do domestic food facilities need a DUNS Number?
A domestic food facility that is required to register must provide an FDA-recognized UFI in its Food Facility Registration. FDA currently recognizes DUNS as an acceptable UFI.
Does each physical location need its own DUNS Number?
Dun & Bradstreet instructs businesses with multiple locations to apply for a separate D‑U‑N‑S Number for each location. For FDA registration, the identifier should correspond to the physical facility being registered.
Can I use the parent company's DUNS Number for a separate manufacturing facility?
Only if that DUNS actually identifies the same physical business location that is being registered. A parent-company or headquarters number should not be substituted for a different facility location.
Does the DUNS address have to match the FDA Food Facility Registration address?
FDA states that the UFI is used to verify that the facility-specific address associated with the UFI is the same address associated with the facility's Food Facility Registration. Address consistency is therefore an important part of the review.
What if my DUNS record has the wrong address?
The D&B business record should be reviewed and, when appropriate, updated so it accurately reflects the facility location before relying on that DUNS for FDA UFI purposes.
What if my DUNS record has the wrong company name?
Business-name differences should be reviewed before FDA filing. Some differences may be formatting or trade-name issues, while others can indicate that the wrong DUNS record or wrong legal entity is being used.
Should I request a new DUNS before checking for an existing one?
No. D&B recommends checking whether the business already has a D‑U‑N‑S Number before requesting a new one. This helps avoid unnecessary duplicate-number problems.
How much does a D‑U‑N‑S Number cost from Dun & Bradstreet?
Dun & Bradstreet states that there is no charge to request and receive a standard D‑U‑N‑S Number. Paid expedited processing or other D&B products may be offered separately.
Why does FDA Registration Assistance charge $399 if DUNS is free?
The $399 is our optional professional assistance fee. It covers work such as reviewing the correct facility/entity, checking for an existing DUNS, assisting with a request or update, reviewing location information, and coordinating the UFI with the FDA registration workflow within the agreed scope. It is not a D&B or FDA government fee.
Does FDA charge a fee for a DUNS Number?
No. FDA does not issue DUNS Numbers. D&B assigns and manages them. FDA also does not charge a government fee for Food Facility Registration or biennial renewal.
How long does D&B take to issue a DUNS Number?
Dun & Bradstreet currently states that normal processing can take up to 30 business days and that paid expedited processing may be offered. Actual timing depends on the request, country, validation, and information provided.
Can you guarantee how fast D&B will issue my DUNS?
No. Dun & Bradstreet controls the validation and issuance process. We can help prepare and manage the request correctly, but we cannot guarantee D&B processing time or outcome.
Does a DUNS Number expire?
Dun & Bradstreet states that a D‑U‑N‑S Number does not expire and does not require paid renewal or maintenance. Business information associated with the number should still be kept current.
Does a DUNS Number replace my FDA Food Facility Registration number?
No. They are separate identifiers. DUNS serves as FDA's currently accepted UFI; the FDA Food Facility Registration number identifies the facility's FDA registration record.
Does a DUNS Number register my facility with FDA?
No. Obtaining a DUNS Number does not complete FDA Food Facility Registration. A covered facility must still submit the required registration information through FDA's registration system.
Does a DUNS Number replace the U.S. Agent for a foreign food facility?
No. A covered foreign food facility's U.S. Agent is a separate Food Facility Registration requirement. The DUNS/UFI identifies the facility location; the U.S. Agent serves the separate FDA communications role.
Do Food Facility Registrations renew every year?
No. Food Facility Registration renewal is biennial. Facilities required to register renew during October 1 through December 31 of each even-numbered year.
Does the DUNS Number itself renew every two years?
No. The FDA Food Facility Registration renews biennially; the D‑U‑N‑S Number itself does not expire or have a biennial renewal requirement.
Do Amazon sellers automatically need a food-facility DUNS Number?
No. Selling on Amazon does not by itself create Food Facility Registration. A location needs the Food Facility Registration UFI when that establishment is required to register based on its actual activities. Separately, an Amazon seller that is the FDA-defined FSVP importer may need its own DUNS for FSVP entry identification.
Does an FSVP importer also need a DUNS Number?
FDA's current FSVP UFI guidance requires the FDA-defined FSVP importer to ensure a recognized UFI is provided for covered entry lines, and FDA currently recognizes DUNS for that purpose. The FSVP importer may be a different entity from the foreign food facility.
Can the same DUNS be used for Food Facility Registration and FSVP?
Only when the same legal entity/location is legitimately serving both roles. The foreign facility's Food Facility Registration UFI should not automatically be copied into the FSVP importer field.
Do restaurants need Food Facility Registration and DUNS for FDA?
Restaurants are generally exempt from Food Facility Registration under FDA's rules, so they ordinarily would not need a DUNS solely for Food Facility Registration. Other business or regulatory reasons for having a DUNS can still exist.
Do retail food establishments need Food Facility Registration and DUNS?
Retail food establishments that meet FDA's exemption criteria are generally exempt from Food Facility Registration. Applicability should be reviewed based on the actual operation.
Do farms need Food Facility Registration and a DUNS?
Farms that meet FDA's regulatory definition are generally exempt from Food Facility Registration. A farm-related business with additional manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding activities should review whether another facility or activity is subject to registration.
Do dietary supplement facilities use the Food Facility Registration UFI requirement?
Dietary supplements are regulated as food for many FDA purposes. A facility that manufactures/processes, packs, or holds dietary supplements and is required to register as a food facility must satisfy the applicable Food Facility Registration UFI requirement.
What should I do if my business moves to a new physical location?
A move can affect both the D&B location record and FDA registration obligations. The correct steps depend on whether the facility moved, whether the legal entity or ownership changed, and how D&B identifies the new location. The records should be reviewed before simply reusing the old facility data.
What happens if the Food Facility Registration information changes?
FDA requires updates to specified registration information within the applicable regulatory timeframe. If a change also affects the D&B business record, both data sets should be reviewed so the UFI and facility information remain consistent.
Should I give a third-party registrar my FDA username and password just to verify my registration?
FDA warned in July 2026 about third parties requesting Food Facility Registration numbers, PINs, FIS-FURLS usernames, and passwords to verify registration status. Protect your account credentials and only provide information that is legitimately required for an authorized service.
What information do you need for DUNS assistance?
Typical information includes the facility's legal name, physical address, country, business phone, ownership or officer details where required by D&B, existing DUNS information if known, and the FDA registration context in which the UFI will be used.
Can FDA Registration Assistance also handle my Food Facility Registration?
Yes. DUNS/UFI assistance can be coordinated with Foreign Food Facility Registration, Domestic Food Facility Registration, U.S. Agent representation for covered foreign facilities, and biennial registration renewal.
What if I already have a DUNS Number?
We first review whether the existing DUNS corresponds to the correct physical facility and whether the location information is suitable for the intended FDA use. If it is correct, a new DUNS request may not be necessary.
Request DUNS / FDA UFI Assistance
Tell us the facility name, country, physical address, whether a DUNS already exists, and whether you need a new Food Facility Registration, update, renewal, or FSVP importer UFI.