FDA food facility registration renewal 2026: 1 October to 31 December
Every food facility registered with FDA must renew its registration between 1 October and 31 December of each even-numbered year, so the 2026 renewal is due by 31 December 2026. Renewal is free and done online, but a registration that is not renewed is considered expired, and food from a foreign facility that is not registered can be held at the US port of entry.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
What the 2026 renewal involves
Renewal is required by section 415 of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 1.230. It is done in the Food Facility Registration Module of FDA Industry Systems (access.fda.gov) between 1 October and 31 December 2026. Renewal is a separate function from updating: you review the registration, change the sections marked "Edit", and submit; the Update option appears only after the registration has been renewed. If none of the information has changed, an abbreviated renewal is possible.
The renewal must include a unique facility identifier recognised by FDA, which is the DUNS number; FDA uses it to check that the facility's address matches the registration. A foreign facility also gives its US agent's details and an emergency contact, and every registration includes the applicable food product categories and an assurance that FDA will be permitted to inspect the facility. Qualified facilities submit their attestation in the same period.
Checklist before you renew
- FDA Industry Systems (FIS) account with access to the facility's registration
- DUNS number whose name and address match the facility
- US agent's name, full address, phone number and email (foreign facilities)
- Emergency contact phone number and email address
- Current food product categories and activities
- Qualified facility attestation, if the facility is a qualified facility
If a registration lapses or changes
If a facility does not renew by 31 December 2026, FDA considers the registration expired and it is removed from the account. A foreign facility that is required to register but is not registered risks having its food held at the port of entry or a secure facility until it registers. Prior notice for food that is no longer in its natural state also needs the manufacturer's registration number, or its full address and the reason the number is not given.
A foreign facility does not have to register if its food is further manufactured or processed, including packaging, by another facility outside the US, unless that later step is only de minimis, such as labeling. Any change to the registration information must be updated within 60 calendar days, and a facility that closes or changes owner cancels its registration within 60 days.
Step by step
- Check that the facility's DUNS number shows the same name and address as the FDA registration.
- Confirm the US agent and emergency contact details (foreign facilities).
- Log in to FDA Industry Systems and open Biennial Registration Renewal in the Food Facility Registration Module.
- Review every section, edit what has changed, give the inspection assurance and submit before 31 December 2026.
- After renewal, use Update for later changes within 60 calendar days, and file the qualified facility attestation if it applies.
Documents you usually need
- FDA food facility registration number
- FDA Industry Systems (FIS) account login
- DUNS number (unique facility identifier)
- US agent details and emergency contact
- Food product categories as listed on Form FDA 3537
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Correct the details with Dun & Bradstreet or in the registration so both show the same facility address.
What to do: The registration expires; register the facility again before the next shipment so the food is not held at the port.
What to do: Renew first: the Update option only appears after the biennial renewal has been submitted.
What to do: Labeling is only de minimis, so the supplier that manufactures the food must still register and renew.
Sources
- FDA Reminds Food Facilities of Biennial Renewal Requirements U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Food Facility Registration User Guide: Biennial Registration Renewal U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart H: Registration of Food Facilities Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)
- Registration of Food Facilities: Small Entity Compliance Guide U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- What You Need to Know About Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Port codes by country
Trade notes
Common questions
When is the FDA food facility registration renewal in 2026?
From 1 October to 31 December 2026. Renewal is required every even-numbered year in the same window.
Is there a fee to renew FDA food facility registration?
No. FDA charges no fee for registering or renewing a food facility.
What happens if I do not renew by 31 December?
FDA considers the registration expired and removes it from the account. Food from a foreign facility that is required to register but is not registered can be held at the port of entry.
Do I need a DUNS number to renew?
Yes. A unique facility identifier has been required since 1 October 2020, and FDA accepts the DUNS number as that identifier.
Who can renew the registration?
The owner, operator or agent in charge of the facility, or an individual authorised by one of them.
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