The Role of the D-U-N-S® Number in FDA Compliance: A Must-Have for Food Facilities and Importers
As global food trade continues to expand, so do the regulatory expectations surrounding traceability, transparency, and supply chain accountability. One critical requirement for businesses entering the U.S. food market is obtaining a D-U-N-S® Number—a unique identifier essential for compliance with the FDA’s Food Facility Registration and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).
At FSVPServices.com, we help brand owners, importers, U.S. agents, and foreign suppliers obtain and manage their D-U-N-S® Numbers efficiently and in full alignment with FDA regulations.
What Is a D-U-N-S® Number?
The Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S®) is a globally recognized 9-digit identifier assigned to business entities by Dun & Bradstreet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses D-U-N-S® Numbers to:
- • Validate and identify registered food facilities
- • Confirm the identity of FSVP importers
- • Improve traceability across the global food supply chain
- • Ensure unique, verifiable business identification in all compliance systems
Why Does the FDA Require It?
Under two key federal regulations, the D-U-N-S® Number is now integral to FDA compliance:
1. FDA Food Facility Registration (21 CFR 1.225–1.241)
- Facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for U.S. consumption—whether domestic or foreign—must register with the FDA. As part of this registration process, the D-U-N-S® Number is now required to validate the facility's identity and location.
- FSVP importers must verify that foreign suppliers produce food in accordance with U.S. standards. Each FSVP importer and foreign supplier facility must have a unique D-U-N-S® Number to support FDA tracking and traceability efforts.
Who Needs a D-U-N-S® Number?
You are required to obtain a D-U-N-S® Number if you are:
- • A foreign food facility exporting to the U.S.
- • A U.S. importer of record under FSVP
- • A brand owner using contract manufacturers
- • A U.S. agent registering a facility on behalf of a foreign entity
- • A private label distributor importing or managing third-party production
How FSVPServices.com Can Help
We offer a D-U-N-S® Number Processing Service specifically designed to:
- • Guide businesses through the D-U-N-S® registration process
- • Handle communication with Dun & Bradstreet on your behalf
- • Ensure facility information aligns with FDA expectations
- • Provide support documentation for registration or FSVP submissions
- • Assist with record updates, corrections, or re-verifications
Key Benefits of Our Service
- ✔️ Faster FDA registration turnaround
- ✔️ Eliminate submission errors and mismatched data
- ✔️ Avoid customs and entry delays
- ✔️ Stay prepared for FDA inspections and remote record requests
- ✔️ Full support for U.S. Agents managing foreign suppliers
Conclusion
The D-U-N-S® Number is more than just an identifier—it’s a gateway to U.S. market compliance. Failing to obtain and manage your D-U-N-S® properly could mean costly delays, rejected registrations, or even loss of market access.
Don’t risk your business on a technicality. Let FSVPServices.com handle your D-U-N-S® Number needs and help you stay FDA-compliant, audit-ready, and fully traceable.
Get started today at www.FSVPServices.com