The 2026 renewal window
FDA states that facilities required to register must renew during October 1 through December 31 of each even-numbered year. Its 2026 user guide lists the renewal period from October 1, 2026, 12:01 AM through December 31, 2026, 11:59 PM.
The guide distinguishes renewing a registration from updating its details. It also explains that a registration not renewed by the deadline is considered expired and removed from the account. Refer to FDA’s current instructions for the registration process and any required identifiers.
Make it part of the preparation calendar
Ask the responsible facility contact to review its status and renewal work before planning shipments that cross the year-end period. A freight booking can continue to develop while the facility resolves its records, but departure decisions should use confirmed information.
Keep a dated note of who handles the registration and which records are available to the importer.
What renewal does not replace
A facility record is separate from the product review, shipment notification and importer arrangements. Keep each task assigned to the relevant person rather than treating a single registration number as the entire import plan.
Confirm the practical handoff with your importer and adviser: which information is needed for this shipment, when it must be supplied and how changes will be communicated.
Use the official instructions
Use the FDA food facility registration renewal guide. Keep facility login credentials and registration PINs within the authorised team. Send only the information required for the agreed shipment task.
View the complete preparation checklist