Effective July 24, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will require human and animal food importers to provide a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering Systems(DUNS) number to FDA for importer identification.

Previously, FDA allowed the use of ‘Unknown’ in lieu of a DUNS number.

An entity may obtain a DUNS number from D&B free of charge. It may take approximately 30 business days or longer to receive a DUNS number from D&B after submitting the request. D&B also provides for expedited delivery of a DUNS number for a one-time charge. To obtain a DUNS number, please contact D&B directly by phone at 866-705-5711 or at https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html.

Additional information may be found in the FDA Guidance for Industry: Compliance with Providing an Acceptable Unique Facility Identifier for the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Food Importers Regulation