FDA Entry Worksheet
FCE / SID Intake Worksheet
For more FDA registration support, visit FDA Registration Assistance.
How to Use This Worksheet
Complete the establishment information first. Then choose the filing type below to show only the sections that apply to your product and process.
Use one worksheet for each product, process, and container size combination
Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*)
Select the filing type to show only the applicable SID section
Add supporting documents or notes where requested
Tip: If you need to file more than one product or container size, complete a separate SID section for each one.
Important: Choose the filing type before you begin the SID portion so only the relevant questions are displayed.
Choose Filing Type
Select the option that matches your filing. The form will display only the sections needed for that filing type.
Only the section for the selected filing type will be shown. Choose “Show full worksheet” if you want to view every section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers focused only on FCE registration and SID process filing topics.
1. What is an FCE?
An FCE is a Food Canning Establishment registration filed with FDA for facilities that manufacture, process, or pack acidified foods or low-acid canned foods subject to these requirements.
2. What is a SID?
A SID is a Submission Identifier tied to a scheduled process filing for a specific product, process, and container combination.
3. What is the difference between an FCE and a SID?
The FCE identifies the food canning establishment. The SID identifies the specific scheduled process filing associated with that establishment.
4. Do I need both an FCE and a SID?
If your operation is subject to FDA acidified food or low-acid canned food filing requirements, you generally need an FCE for the facility and a SID for the applicable scheduled process filing.
5. Which FDA form is used for FCE registration?
Form FDA 2541 is used for Food Canning Establishment registration.
6. Which FDA form is used for an acidified food SID filing?
Form FDA 2541e is used for Food Process Filing for Acidified Method.
7. Which FDA form is used for a low-acid retorted SID filing?
Form FDA 2541d is used for Food Process Filing for Low-Acid Retorted Method.
8. Which FDA form is used for a water activity or formulation control SID filing?
Form FDA 2541f is used for Food Process Filing for Water Activity / Formulation Control Method.
9. Which FDA form is used for a low-acid aseptic SID filing?
Form FDA 2541g is used for Food Process Filing for Low-Acid Aseptic Systems.
10. What information is typically required for an FCE registration?
An FCE registration generally includes the establishment name, principal place of business, processing location, processing method, and a list of foods processed at the facility.
11. Does each product need its own SID filing?
Yes. Process filings are generally prepared for each product and each applicable container size and process combination that requires filing.
12. Can FCE and SID filings be submitted electronically?
Yes. FDA recommends electronic submission whenever possible, although paper submission options are also available.
13. Are paper FCE and SID submission options still available?
Yes. FDA provides paper submission forms and instructions for Form FDA 2541 and Forms FDA 2541d, 2541e, 2541f, and 2541g.
14. When should an FCE registration be filed?
FDA requires registration when a commercial processor first engages in the manufacture, processing, or packing of covered acidified foods or low-acid canned foods.
15. Where can I find the official FDA FCE and SID forms?
The official FDA FCE and SID forms are Form FDA 2541 and Forms FDA 2541d, 2541e, 2541f, and 2541g, available from FDA's acidified and low-acid canned foods registration and process filing resources.