Today, the FDA approved the use of DUNS numbers for the verification of importers. A DUNS number, short for Data Universal Numbering System, is a number used for identifying businesses. The FDA has now issued guidance recognizing the DUNS number as an acceptable unique facility identifier (UFI) for the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).

The FSVP is a program that importers must have in place to verify that their foreign suppliers are producing food in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as the preventive controls or produce safety regulations. It is also meant to ensure that the supplier’s food is not adulterated and is not misbranded with respect to allergen labeling. This change will allow FDA to more effectively implement and monitor compliance with the FSVP requirements. A DUNS number is assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet. Importers will find this method a quick and easy way to provide identification with the program.