FDA Food Facility Registration Renewal: October 1 to December 31, 2020

 
FDA registration renewal is due between October 1 and December 31, 2020 for all food facilities. The renewal is required for any facilities that engage in the following US food for consumption activities:
 
• Manufacturing
• Packing
• Processing
• Storing
 
Renewing the FDA food facility registration is required during this time for all food facilities, even if they registered just prior to the renewal date. If a facility is located outside of the United States but performs any of the activities listed above, they must have a designated agent in the United States work with FDA officials.
 
The U.S. Agent must accept the designation, or the agency will not finalize the renewal.
 

What Happens if a Company Misses FDA Registration Renewal?

 
Facilities should work with an agent or company that has experience with new FDA food facility registration requirements. Changes to the renewal process this year will impact both US and non-US facilities.
 
The main change is that all facilities must submit their Unique Facility Identifiers, or UFIs, along with their standard renewal documentation.
 
UFIs can be obtained immediately from the FDA and should be requested prior to filling out the registration renewal. Officials state that it’s possible that the new requirement will result in a backlog and longer-than-expected wait time for a UFI.
 
Facilities without a UFI will face potential registration of a facility.
 
Operators of multiple facilities will be required to obtain a UFI, or a Data Universal Numbering Systems (DUNS) number. Unique numbers for each facility must be submitted at the time of renewal.
 
If an owner operates multiple facilities, it’s pertinent that they seek a unique identification number as soon as possible or risk having their registration canceled and their goods no longer allowed in the United States.
 
FDA registration renewal is a biennial event that happens on even-numbered years from the 1st of October through the end of December 31st of the year. Anyone that purchases a food facility must request that the former owner of the business cancel their registration. The cancellation must take effect within 60 days of the change of ownership.
 
The new business owner must re-register the business at this time or face the risk of being unable to operate in the United States.
 
If you have doubts about how to update or design a food label to comply with the FDA Cosmereg can assist you in each step. For more information just contact us +17273509380 or info@cosmereg.com.