Which type of FDA registration do you need based on your product?

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January 28, 2026
FDA Regulations

If you are planning to export products to the United States, it is essential to understand which type of FDA registration is required depending on the product you intend to ship. In this article, we explain the most common FDA registrations so you can identify which one applies to your business.

Food facility registration

This registration applies to facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food intended for human or animal consumption in the United States.

Products that require this registration include:
processed foods, dietary supplements, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), food ingredients, and pet food.

This registration is mandatory. Without it, your products may be refused entry, detained, or destroyed at U.S. customs.

Medical device registration

Applicable to manufacturers, repackers, relabelers, and distributors of medical devices.

Examples include: thermometers, diagnostic tests, implantable devices, and medical equipment.

Cosmetics Registration under MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022)

As of December 2023, cosmetics registration with the FDA is mandatory for many companies. Under MoCRA, cosmetic manufacturers and importers must:

  • Register their cosmetic facilities with the FDA
  • List each cosmetic product, including its formulation and ingredients
  • Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Report serious adverse events

Products covered include: makeup, body creams, shampoos, conditioners, fragrances, cosmetic soaps, and similar products.

The purpose of MoCRA is to ensure that cosmetics marketed in the United States are safe and properly regulated. Failure to comply may result in penalties or product detention at customs.

Drug registration

This registration applies to manufacturers and importers of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs.

Examples include: pain relievers, cough syrups, and pharmaceutical creams.

Biological Products Registration

Intended for companies that develop products such as vaccines, plasma derivatives, blood products, or biotechnology-based products.

This is one of the most stringent FDA registrations, requiring extensive technical documentation and strict regulatory compliance.

Tobacco and Vaping Products Registration

Manufacturers and importers of products such as cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, and vaping liquids must be registered with the FDA.

Important considerations

The products mentioned above are general examples. In practice, the required FDA registration depends on the product’s composition, intended use, and function.

In addition, you may need to meet other FDA requirements, such as:

  • Appointing a U.S. FDA Agent
  • Verifying that all ingredients are permitted
  • Submitting technical documentation, including product formulas, labeling, and GMP compliance evidence

What happens if you do not have the correct FDA registration?

Without the proper registration, products may be detained, refused entry, destroyed, or returned. Companies may also face penalties and lose credibility in the U.S. market. Many buyers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms require proof of FDA compliance before commercializing products.

Do you need help with FDA registration?

If you are unsure which FDA registration applies to your product or how to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, CORE Consulting can guide you step by step to ensure a smooth, compliant, and successful export process.

Contact us and enter the U.S. market with confidence.

Which type of FDA registration do you need based on your product?

.
January 28, 2026
FDA Regulations

If you are planning to export products to the United States, it is essential to understand which type of FDA registration is required depending on the product you intend to ship. In this article, we explain the most common FDA registrations so you can identify which one applies to your business.

Food facility registration

This registration applies to facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food intended for human or animal consumption in the United States.

Products that require this registration include:
processed foods, dietary supplements, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), food ingredients, and pet food.

This registration is mandatory. Without it, your products may be refused entry, detained, or destroyed at U.S. customs.

Medical device registration

Applicable to manufacturers, repackers, relabelers, and distributors of medical devices.

Examples include: thermometers, diagnostic tests, implantable devices, and medical equipment.

Cosmetics Registration under MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022)

As of December 2023, cosmetics registration with the FDA is mandatory for many companies. Under MoCRA, cosmetic manufacturers and importers must:

  • Register their cosmetic facilities with the FDA
  • List each cosmetic product, including its formulation and ingredients
  • Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Report serious adverse events

Products covered include: makeup, body creams, shampoos, conditioners, fragrances, cosmetic soaps, and similar products.

The purpose of MoCRA is to ensure that cosmetics marketed in the United States are safe and properly regulated. Failure to comply may result in penalties or product detention at customs.

Drug registration

This registration applies to manufacturers and importers of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs.

Examples include: pain relievers, cough syrups, and pharmaceutical creams.

Biological Products Registration

Intended for companies that develop products such as vaccines, plasma derivatives, blood products, or biotechnology-based products.

This is one of the most stringent FDA registrations, requiring extensive technical documentation and strict regulatory compliance.

Tobacco and Vaping Products Registration

Manufacturers and importers of products such as cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, and vaping liquids must be registered with the FDA.

Important considerations

The products mentioned above are general examples. In practice, the required FDA registration depends on the product’s composition, intended use, and function.

In addition, you may need to meet other FDA requirements, such as:

  • Appointing a U.S. FDA Agent
  • Verifying that all ingredients are permitted
  • Submitting technical documentation, including product formulas, labeling, and GMP compliance evidence

What happens if you do not have the correct FDA registration?

Without the proper registration, products may be detained, refused entry, destroyed, or returned. Companies may also face penalties and lose credibility in the U.S. market. Many buyers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms require proof of FDA compliance before commercializing products.

Do you need help with FDA registration?

If you are unsure which FDA registration applies to your product or how to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, CORE Consulting can guide you step by step to ensure a smooth, compliant, and successful export process.

Contact us and enter the U.S. market with confidence.

Do you still have questions after reading the article?

Contact our specialists today and ensure the success of your import or export process—avoiding costly mistakes, delays, and compliance issues.
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