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What Is a DUNS Number and Why Food Exporters Need One Before FDA Registration

Food facility registration uses a facility-specific DUNS number as the FDA-recognized UFI. Check the physical address before registering or renewing.

FDABridge Team•Apr 3, 2026•2 min read

DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) is a nine-digit identifier assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet. FDA currently recognizes DUNS as the acceptable unique facility identifier (UFI) for food facility registration.

Match the actual facility location

FDA uses the UFI to verify that the facility-specific address in the DUNS record matches the address in the registration. Check the legal name and physical location rather than assuming a parent company or head-office number covers every manufacturing site. If information changes, verify with D&B how the record should be updated; do not assume every move or ownership change automatically requires a new number.

Obtain or verify the record with D&B

Use the D&B channel linked from FDA's official reminder to obtain or verify a number. Check for an existing record before applying and resolve address discrepancies before submitting. Timing depends on the verification work; no processing time is guaranteed here.

DUNS does not become FEI

DUNS/UFI, a food registration number and FEI are distinct identifiers. Obtaining FEI for a cosmetic facility does not replace the DUNS requirement for food registration. Food registration is not FDA product approval.

Renewal and professional fees

The food renewal window is October 1–December 31, 2026. FDA charges no registration or renewal fee. FDABridge's catalog lists DUNS acquisition assistance at $149, food registration with US Agent Year 1 at $349 and the Food Starter Bundle at $449. These are professional service charges. DUNS assistance is a separate service unless expressly included in the selected bundle. Review https://fdabridge.com/food-facility-registration and https://fdabridge.com/pricing before choosing a service.

Official FDA sources

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-reminds-food-facilities-biennial-renewal-requirements

https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/questions-regarding-whether-food-facilities-are-required-pay-registration-fees-and-private

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