FDA facility identification is program-specific. Food facility registration requires a UFI recognized as acceptable by FDA, currently DUNS. Cosmetic facility registration requires FEI before submission. There is no universal FDA replacement of DUNS by FEI; a facility handling several product categories must assess each program separately.
Food facility registration: accepted UFI, currently DUNS
FDA's September 29, 2026 reminder states that food facility registration submissions must include an acceptable UFI. It currently recognizes the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet. FDA uses that identifier to verify that the facility-specific address on the UFI record matches the food registration address. Do not substitute an FEI for the food UFI merely because the facility has one. The food registration number is a separate filing record.
Cosmetic facility registration: obtain FEI before submission
FDA identifies FEI as the required cosmetic facility registration number and instructs owners or operators to obtain it before submitting facility registration. Check the FDA FEI Search Portal for an existing number and follow FDA's request instructions if none is assigned. FEI is assigned by FDA, whereas DUNS is assigned by D&B. Neither identifier alone proves completion of a registration or FDA approval of a facility or product.
More than one program does not mean one interchangeable identifier
A site can have both DUNS and FEI. For a site subject to both food and cosmetic facility registration, retain the appropriate identifier and record for each program. Check current FDA instructions for drugs, devices or other programs rather than extending either of these two requirements to all establishments. A business or address change should be reviewed with the relevant identifier issuer and FDA filing system; do not assume it automatically creates a new number or a universal cross-program update.
Food next step: prepare for the 2026 renewal
The food renewal window is October 1–December 31, 2026. FDA considers registrations expired if not renewed by December 31, 2026. Review the facility information, DUNS/address match, authorized FDA Industry Systems access and foreign facility US Agent designation. Review the existing renewal journey at https://fdabridge.com/food-facility-registration and the preparation guide at https://fdabridge.com/blog/fda-food-facility-registration-renewal-2026 . FDA charges no food registration or renewal fee; an annual agent-coverage payment does not itself renew the registration.
Cosmetic next step: MoCRA registration and listing
Confirm FEI before submitting cosmetic facility registration and assess applicable exemptions. Cosmetic facilities renew every two years from the initial registration date; cosmetic product-listing updates are annual. These schedules are separate from the food renewal window. Review cosmetic facility registration support at https://fdabridge.com/cosmetic-facility-registration and the broader MoCRA service options at https://fdabridge.com/cosmetics . Registration and listing are not FDA product approval.
Professional scope and fees
FDABridge's catalog lists DUNS acquisition assistance and FEI acquisition assistance as separate $149 professional services. Initial food registration with US Agent Year 1 and cosmetic facility registration with US Agent Year 1 are each listed at $349. These USD amounts are professional charges, not an FDA food filing fee. Check https://fdabridge.com/pricing and confirm the selected scope, whether identifier assistance is included in a bundle, and subsequent coverage charges before paying. No continuous monitoring, processing deadline or customer outcome is promised by this article. FDABridge is independent of FDA.
Official FDA sources
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/registration-listing-cosmetic-product-facilities-and-products