U.S. food importers need to ensure they are complying with the requirements of the
Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
because enforcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is being stepped up in 2019.
One key requirement is that importers use the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), which as of 2017 is considered an acceptable
Unique Facility Identifier (UFI)
for the FSVP. DUNS numbers, assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet, are available free of charge to importers. They can be obtained by contacting D&B by phone at 866-705-5711, by email at
or by visiting
If the importer is a non-resident, the DUNS will also be required for the buyer or consignee in the U.S..
Importers are also mandated to provide their legal business name, electronic mailing address, and UFI recognized as acceptable by the FDA for each line entry of food product offered for importation into the United States. This information should be stated on import documentation in order to avoid clearance delays.
All foreign food facilities will be required to provide a DUNS number for the 2020 FDA Food Facility Biennial Registration Renewal process.
For more information, please call Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs at (905) 882-4880, ext. 213.
