Prior Notice vs. Food Facility Registration

Food facility registration (21 CFR 1.225–1.235) registers the facility that makes the food and is renewed every two years. Prior Notice (21 CFR 1.276–1.285) is filed for each shipment and lists the manufacturer's registration number. Food from a facility that should be registered but is not is held at the port.

Registration

• Once per facility; renew Oct 1–Dec 31 of even years
• Foreign facilities name a U.S. Agent

Prior Notice

• Every shipment
• Includes the manufacturer's registration number, or the reason none is required

Related: FDA renewal deadline calendar · Do I need a U.S. Agent? · US Agent Desk pricing

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.