The short answer
A D-U-N-S number is a free 9-digit business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). FDA uses it as the Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) for food facility registration, it is the identifier FDA specified for drug establishments, and FSVP importers must give one for every food entry. You can get it free from D&B, but the free route can take about 30 business days or longer — so request it well before you register or renew.
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D-U-N-S in one line
No valid D-U-N-S number, no food facility registration or renewal — and a wrong one is one of the most common reasons registrations get held up.
Who needs a D-U-N-S number for FDA?
| Registration | D-U-N-S needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Food facility registration and renewal | Yes — required | The D-U-N-S number is the only Unique Facility Identifier FDA currently accepts for food facilities. It must be given when you register and every time you renew. |
| FSVP importer | Yes — required | The FSVP importer's D-U-N-S number goes in the Entity Number field for each food entry line. Since July 24, 2022, entries with "UNK" instead of a number are rejected. |
| Drug establishment registration | Yes | FDA specified the D-U-N-S number as the unique facility identifier for drug establishments in electronic registration and listing. |
| Medical device establishment | Not FDA's identifier | Device registration uses FDA's own registration and FEI numbers. Some importers, buyers and portals still ask for a D-U-N-S number. |
| Cosmetic facility (MoCRA) | No | FDA uses the FEI number as the facility registration number in Cosmetics Direct, so you need an FEI, not a D-U-N-S number. |
How to get a D-U-N-S number for free
- 1Check if you already have oneMany companies already have a D-U-N-S number from banking, government tenders or earlier exports. Search D&B's D-U-N-S lookup first — requesting a second number for the same address creates a duplicate that causes problems later.
- 2Request it from Dun & BradstreetUse D&B's free "Get a D-U-N-S Number" request (dnb.com). Choose the free option; the paid options only make it faster.
- 3Use the facility's exact legal name and physical addressThe name and address must be the same as you will use in your FDA registration — the factory's street address, not a head office, P.O. box or agent address.
- 4Wait for the numberThe free route can take about 30 business days or longer. Answer any D&B verification emails or calls quickly, or the request can stall.
- 5Add it to your FDA registrationEnter the 9-digit number in the registration or renewal. If your company moves or changes its name, update the D&B record and your FDA registration so they still match.
Common D-U-N-S problems that delay FDA registration
- Name or address does not match. FDA checks the number you enter. If D&B's record shows a different company name or an old address, the registration can be held up until the records match.
- Head office number used for a factory. Each registered facility address needs its own D-U-N-S number.
- Old address after a move. The D&B record still shows the previous location.
- Duplicate numbers. Two D-U-N-S numbers for the same site, often from a second request made by someone else in the company.
- Importer and facility mixed up. An FSVP importer needs its own D-U-N-S number; it is not the foreign supplier's number.
When you register with Orionex, we check, request or update your D-U-N-S number and match it to your FDA registration.
Frequently asked questions
Is a D-U-N-S number free?
Yes. Dun & Bradstreet issues D-U-N-S numbers free of charge. D&B also sells faster (expedited) processing, but you do not need to pay to get a number.
How long does it take to get a D-U-N-S number?
FDA says it may take about 30 business days or longer to receive a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet through the free route. Expedited delivery is available from D&B for a one-time charge.
Do I need a separate D-U-N-S number for each facility?
Yes. A D-U-N-S number identifies one business at one physical address. If you register two factories with FDA, each address needs its own D-U-N-S number. A head office number cannot be used for a factory at a different address.
Is a D-U-N-S number the same as an FDA registration number or FEI number?
No. The D-U-N-S number comes from Dun & Bradstreet. The FDA food facility registration number and the FEI (FDA Establishment Identifier) are issued by FDA. A food facility registration needs both its FDA registration number and a D-U-N-S number.
Can Orionex get the D-U-N-S number for me?
Yes. For clients who register with Orionex, we check whether you already have a D-U-N-S number, request a new one or update the existing record, and make sure it matches your FDA registration. This is included at no extra charge. The D-U-N-S number belongs to your company.
Sources
- FDA — Updated guidance on the compliance date for providing an acceptable Unique Facility Identifier (D-U-N-S)
- eCFR — 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart H, Registration of Food Facilities
- FDA guidance — Specification of the Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) System for Drug Establishment Registration
- FDA — Registration & Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products
- Dun & Bradstreet — Get a D-U-N-S Number
Checked against FDA and Dun & Bradstreet sources on November 11, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.