FEI Number vs FDA Registration Number vs DUNS: Which One Do You Share?

FDA COMPLIANCE · REGISTRATION NUMBERS

Updated November 2026. Sellers on Amazon, Walmart and TikTok Shop are often asked for “your FDA number” without being told which one. A brand that sells supplements, a skin care line and a device accessory may have four or five different FDA-related numbers, each with a different owner and a different privacy rule. This guide sorts out which number is which, which ones are public, and what to send when a marketplace asks. It is general information, not legal advice.

What is an FEI number?

FEI stands for FDA Establishment Identifier, sometimes called the Firm or Facility Establishment Identifier. FDA describes it as a unique identifier the agency assigns to identify firms associated with FDA-regulated products. FDA uses FEIs to tie together inspections, compliance actions, import records and some registrations for the same location.

Two facts matter most for online sellers:

• The FEI is public. In its July 20, 2026 constituent update, FDA called the FEI “a separate, unique public identifier” that can be looked up in the FEI Search Portal. FDA’s data dashboards also let anyone search firms by name or FEI.
• Many firms already have one. If a location has shipped FDA-regulated goods, been inspected, or registered in some programs, FDA may have assigned an FEI already. Check the FEI Search Portal before you request a new one.

How do you get an FEI number?

Search the FEI Search Portal for your firm name and address first. If no FEI exists, FDA tells firms to request one by email to the FEI portal team, giving the establishment name and address and any program details FDA asks for. FDA says there is no charge to request an FEI.

For cosmetics, this step comes before registration. FDA’s MoCRA registration page says the agency intends to use the FEI as the required facility registration number, so the owner or operator of a cosmetic facility needs an FEI before submitting the facility registration. Our guide to MoCRA product listing in Cosmetics Direct covers what comes next.

FEI vs food facility registration number: what is the difference?

A food facility registration (FFR) number is assigned when a facility that makes, processes, packs or holds food registers with FDA. It is tied to a PIN and an FDA Industry Systems account. Under the law, FDA’s list of registered food facilities and the registration documents are not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

FDA’s July 20, 2026 update was direct about the risks of sharing it:

• FDA does not require you to share your FFR number with third parties, and FFR information is not public.
• Anyone who has your FFR number and PIN, or your username and password, can link your registration to their own account and view, change or even cancel it.
• Never share your FDA Industry Systems username and password. Create subaccounts for staff instead.
• If you already shared your number and PIN by mistake, consider cancelling and re-registering.

There is one normal exception. For imports, a facility may need to give its FFR number to the company submitting Prior Notice, because Prior Notice asks for the manufacturer’s registration number. See our FDA Prior Notice guide.

Food facility registrations must also be renewed between October 1 and December 31 of every even-numbered year, so 2026 is a renewal year. Our 2026 renewal guide covers the steps.

Where does a DUNS number fit in?

A DUNS number is a nine-digit business identifier issued outside FDA. FDA uses it as a unique facility identifier (UFI):

• Food facilities must include a UFI with registration and renewal under 21 CFR 1.232, and FDA currently recognizes the DUNS number as the acceptable UFI. Each facility needs its own DUNS, and the name and address should match the DUNS record.
• Drug establishments also identify each site with its own DUNS number when they register, not the headquarters number.

Getting a DUNS number for one company is free with a standard wait. A mismatch between the DUNS record and the registration address is a common reason registrations stall.

What other FDA numbers might your brand have?

• Cosmetic product listing number: assigned to each MoCRA product listing. The facility side uses the FEI.
• Drug establishment registration and NDC: drug establishments register each year, and drug registrations appear in FDA’s public Drug Establishments Current Registration Site. Each listed drug gets an NDC. See how to get an NDC number for an OTC product.
• Device registration and owner/operator numbers: device establishment registration and listing data is public in FDA’s Establishment Registration and Device Listing database. See our device registration and listing guide.
• Prior Notice confirmation number: issued per shipment, not per company.

Which FDA number should you give Amazon, Walmart or TikTok Shop?

Start with the question the marketplace is really asking: is this product handled by a facility that meets FDA rules? Then send the least sensitive accurate answer:

1. Cosmetics: the facility FEI used for MoCRA registration and the product listing number, plus your own submission records.
2. Drugs and devices: the public registration and listing details, such as the NDC or device listing, that the marketplace can check itself.
3. Food and supplements: explain that FFR information is not public and FDA does not require you to share it. Offer the facility FEI if one exists, the manufacturer’s name and address, and supporting documents. Do not send a PIN or login.

FDA’s July 2026 update named TikTok Shop and other seller platforms that ask food companies for a copy of their registration or a certificate. FDA does not issue registration certificates, as our article on what to send when a marketplace asks for an FDA certificate explains. FDA also warned about businesses registering when they are not required to. Check whether your facility must register first, using our answer on whether Amazon food sellers need FDA registration.

Whatever you send, describe it accurately. A number shows a filing exists. It does not mean a product is approved, as our answer on registration vs approval explains.

How Eva Commerce helps

Eva Commerce handles FDA facility registration, DUNS support, U.S. Agent service ($250 a year), MoCRA product listing ($100 per product, one-time, with updates free for the same product), OTC NDC listing ($290 per product) and Prior Notice. We keep a simple record of every number your brand has, who owns it and which ones are safe to share, so marketplace requests get a fast, accurate answer. Details are on our FDA compliance services page.

Because Eva also runs Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop and Shopify growth, the same team can answer the marketplace’s document request and keep the listing live. Book a call or call 858-315-2020 to map your FDA numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is an FEI number?

An FEI number, or FDA Establishment Identifier, is a unique public ID that FDA assigns to a firm or facility associated with FDA-regulated products. FDA uses it to track inspections, compliance and some registrations.

Is an FEI number the same as an FDA registration number?

Not always. For MoCRA cosmetic facility registration, FDA uses the FEI as the registration number. A food facility registration number is a separate, confidential number tied to a PIN and account.

How do I find my FEI number?

Search FDA’s FEI Search Portal by firm name and address. If no FEI exists, request one from FDA’s FEI portal team by email. FDA does not charge for an FEI.

Is a food facility registration number public?

No. FDA says FFR information is not public and it does not require you to share the number with third parties, except that it may be needed by whoever submits Prior Notice for an import.

Do I need a DUNS number for FDA registration?

For food facility registration and renewal, yes. FDA requires a unique facility identifier and currently recognizes the DUNS number. Drug establishments also use a site-specific DUNS number.

Can Eva Commerce help me sort out my FDA numbers?

Yes. Eva files registrations, listings and Prior Notice and keeps a record of which numbers your brand has and which are safe to share. Book a call or call 858-315-2020.

Sources: FDA, Advises Food Facilities to Protect their Food Facility Registration Information (July 20, 2026); FDA Data Dashboard, Firm/Supplier Evaluation Resources; FDA, Registration and Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products; FDA, Food Facility Registration User Guide: Biennial Registration Renewal; FDA, How to Register a Drug Establishment; FDA, Drug Establishments Current Registration Site; FDA, Establishment Registration and Device Listing; 21 CFR 1.232. General information, not legal advice.

Related Eva guides: FDA compliance services, FDA registration and U.S. Agent guide, FDA product code builder guide, FDA registration certificate for marketplaces.