UFI and DUNS Numbers for FDA Registration: A Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Solving the #1 Cause of FDA Registration Failures: Data Discrepancies and Unique Facility Identifiers.
Key takeaways
- As of 2020, the FDA requires a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) for all food facility registrations. Currently, the DUNS Number is the only identifier recognized by the FDA. If your DUNS data does not perfectly match your FDA application, your registration will be rejected.
What is the UFI Requirement?
The FDA requires every food facility to provide a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) to ensure that the physical location of the facility is verified. While the law allows for multiple types of identifiers, the FDA currently only recognizes the DUNS Number, managed by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
Common DUNS Troubleshooting Steps
If you are encountering errors during your 2026 renewal or initial registration, follow these steps to troubleshoot your UFI:
1. The "Exact Match" Rule
The FDA system performs an automated check against the D&B database. The Legal Business Name and Physical Address must match character-for-character.
Example: "Main St." vs "Main Street" can cause a system rejection.
2. Update Your D&B Profile
If your facility has moved or changed its legal name, you must update your profile with Dun & Bradstreet before attempting your FDA registration. Note that it can take up to 45 business days for D&B updates to sync with the FDA’s internal systems.
3. Check for Duplicate DUNS Numbers
Sometimes a facility is assigned multiple DUNS numbers by mistake. The FDA will only accept the one associated with the physical manufacturing location, not a corporate headquarters or a PO Box.
The Challenge of Communicating with D&B
For many international companies, navigating the Dun & Bradstreet portal is a bureaucratic nightmare. Language barriers, time zone differences, and slow support tickets often lead to missed FDA deadlines and cancelled registrations.
Let Us Handle the Bureaucracy
Don't let a technical data error stop your exports. FDA Express offers comprehensive support for UFI management:
- Direct Communication: We act on your behalf to communicate with Dun & Bradstreet.
- Discrepancy Resolution: We identify the exact character mismatch causing your FDA rejection and fix it at the source.
- Expedited Support: We navigate the D&B system daily and know exactly how to push through updates for our clients.