Comparing FDA U.S. Agent options
Foreign facilities usually choose between a low-cost agent-only provider, a full-service regulatory consultancy, or a hybrid like US Agent Desk. Agent-only services cost least but often charge extra for paperwork; consultancies do more but usually quote by project. Compare published prices, contract length, what is included and who answers FDA.
| US Agent Desk | Typical agent-only provider | Typical full-service consultancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly price | $990–$1,950, published | Often under $1,000; varies | Often by quote; commonly several thousand dollars |
| Contract term | 1 year, cancel any time | Varies; some require multi-year terms | Varies |
| Registration data prepared | Included in Standard and Plus | Often extra | Usually included or quoted |
| Daily FDA record checks | Every morning, in your portal | Rarely offered | Sometimes, on request |
| Languages | Portal and replies in your language | Usually English | Depends on offices |
| "Registration certificate" | Never sold | Some providers sell them | Rarely |
"Typical" columns describe common market practice, not any named company. Individual providers differ; check each provider's own terms.
FCC U.S. Agent for Service of Process
| US Agent Desk | Typical FCC agent service | |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly price | $490 per grantee (all FCC IDs); $290 as an add-on to an FDA plan | Where published, around $500 per year |
| FDA and FCC with one agent | Yes, one portal and one contract | Usually FCC only |
| Forwarding time | Published: within 1 business day, with translation and logged acknowledgment | Varies; often not published |
| Daily records watch | FCC grants, Covered List and FCC enforcement mentions for your Grantee Code | Rarely offered |
| Language | Native-language support and translated notices | Usually English |
| "Liable party" role | Never offered | Varies |
"Typical" describes common published market terms, not any named company. Check each provider's own terms.
Questions to ask any U.S. Agent
- Is the price published, and what costs extra (listings, renewals, translations)?
- How long is the contract, and is there an exit fee?
- Who answers FDA, and how fast?
- Does the agent have a U.S. place of business and stay reachable during U.S. business hours, as FDA requires?
- Do they sell a "certificate"? FDA doesn't issue them, so that is a warning sign.
FDA requirements: 21 CFR 1.227, 21 CFR 807.40. See our pricing.