How to Register a US Food and Beverage Facility with the FDA

Starting a food and beverage business in the US involves more than developing a great product—it also requires navigating regulatory compliance. One of the most important early steps for any US small business in this industry is registering your facility with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Whether you’re manufacturing drinks, packaging snacks, or processing ingredients, proper FDA registration ensures legal operation and supports safe food practices. This guide breaks down how to register your facility while keeping your operations aligned with smart accounting services that help small businesses stay compliant and organized.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Food Facility with the FDA

1. Create an FDA Industry Systems (FIS) Account

• Go to the FDA Industry Systems portal.

• Set up an account to access the Food Facility Registration Module (FFRM).

• Save your login details securely for future renewals or updates.

2. Start a New Food Facility Registration

• After logging in, choose Food Facility Registration to begin a new application.

• If it’s your first time registering, the system will guide you through all necessary steps.

3. Enter Facility and Contact Details

You’ll need to provide:

• The business/facility name and physical address

• Emergency contact info

• Trade names used by your business

• The name and contact info of the owner, operator, or agent in charge

• For foreign facilities: the designated US Agent’s contact details

4. Indicate Products and Business Activities

• Choose whether your facility handles human or animal food

• Select product categories (e.g., bakery, dairy, drinks, meat, snacks)

• List all applicable activities: manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding

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5. Certify and Agree to Inspections

• Certify that your information is accurate

• Agree to FDA inspections, a requirement under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

6. Submit Your Registration

• Review all entries before submitting

• You’ll receive a registration confirmation and facility registration number

• Keep a printed or digital copy for your internal records

7. Maintain and Renew Your Registration

• Renew every even-numbered year between October 1 and December 31

• Update the FDA within 60 days if any registration info changes

Why FDA Registration Matters for US Small Businesses

• It’s legally required before starting operations

• Helps ensure food safety and traceability

• Reduces the risk of enforcement actions and fines

• Essential for building credibility with buyers, distributors, and customers

How Accounting Services Support Compliance

While the FDA process covers regulatory setup, accurate financial documentation is equally critical. Quality accounting services for US small businesses help:

• Monitor operational costs tied to compliance

• Track key deadlines like biennial renewals

• Maintain financial records aligned with federal standards

• Prepare for taxes, audits, and inspections

• Simplify reporting for facilities handling taxable goods or materials

When your food facility and finances are both in good order, your business is stronger, more efficient, and positioned for growth.

Summary

Registering your food and beverage facility with the FDA is a mandatory step for launching your US small business in this industry. Following the correct process not only keeps you compliant but also builds a strong foundation for scaling your business. Combine this compliance with professional accounting services to reduce risk, save time, and support your long-term success.

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Manual bookkeeping eats into time you could spend growing your business. Traditional accounting services charge more but still need constant guidance. There’s a better way.

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Join forward-thinking businesses who’ve upgraded to intelligent accounting that adapts to you, not the other way around. Ready for accounting that actually gets your business? Chat with us now, email [email protected], or use our contact form.

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