DUNS Number for FDA Registration: The Questions Manufacturers Ask Most

A DUNS number — Data Universal Numbering System number — is a nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to business entities worldwide. For foreign food manufacturers, it is a required data field when submitting an FDA food facility registration through FDA's FURLS system. Without a DUNS number, the FURLS submission cannot be completed. These are the questions we receive most often from manufacturers who are working through this step.

Is a DUNS number required for all FDA registrations?

A DUNS number is required for FDA food facility registration (the registration submitted through FURLS under 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart H). It is also requested — though the specific requirement varies — in some FDA drug establishment registration workflows. For cosmetic facility registration under MoCRA, a DUNS number is not currently a required field, though it may be used for identity verification purposes. If you are registering a food facility or a drug establishment, assume a DUNS number will be required.

How long does it take to get a DUNS number?

Dun & Bradstreet offers a free DUNS number through their government and non-commercial registration process, which takes between 5 and 30 business days depending on the country. For manufacturers who need a DUNS number quickly before a registration deadline, D&B offers an expedited paid option through their commercial products that can deliver the number within one to two business days. Most foreign manufacturers applying for FDA food facility registration for the first time should budget at least two weeks for DUNS number acquisition before beginning the FURLS submission.

Can I use the same DUNS number for multiple facilities?

No. A DUNS number identifies a specific business location — a physical address. If a company operates multiple facilities at different addresses, each facility requires its own DUNS number. A company with a headquarters address and a separate manufacturing facility address needs two DUNS numbers if both locations must be registered with FDA. The company name and parent company information can be the same across multiple DUNS records, but the location identifiers must be distinct.

What if the address on my DUNS record does not match my FDA registration?

FDA cross-references the address submitted in the FURLS system against the address associated with the DUNS number. A mismatch will cause the registration to be flagged for manual review or rejected. Before submitting the FDA registration, verify that the address on your D&B record exactly matches the address you intend to use in FURLS — including building numbers, floor designations, and country format. If your D&B record has an outdated address, update it first through D&B's iUpdate portal and wait for the update to propagate before submitting the FDA registration.

Do I need to renew or update my DUNS number?

DUNS numbers do not expire and do not require periodic renewal. However, if your business address, legal name, or ownership changes, you should update the D&B record to reflect the current information. Keeping the D&B record current matters for two reasons: first, FDA may reject registrations with outdated DUNS information; second, US importers who conduct FSVP due diligence often check D&B records as part of their supplier verification process. An outdated or incomplete D&B record can raise questions during an importer's FSVP audit.

Can FDABridge help me obtain a DUNS number?

Yes. FDABridge includes DUNS number acquisition assistance as part of our food facility registration service. We guide manufacturers through the D&B application process, verify that the submitted address matches what FURLS requires, and confirm that the DUNS number is active before we submit the FDA registration. Visit fdabridge.com/duns-number for details.