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US FDA Registration for Indian Exporters: Complete Guide

What Indian companies need before shipping FDA-regulated products to the US.
23 September 2026 by
US FDA Registration for Indian Exporters: Complete Guide
Gaurav Kumar
Product Certification (BIS, CE, ISO)Complete Guide3 min read
The short answer

Indian companies exporting FDA-regulated products to the United States must register with the US Food and Drug Administration. Food facilities register and renew every two years and must appoint a US agent; drug and device establishments register and list products; cosmetics facilities register under MoCRA. Food shipments also require prior notice before arrival.

RegulatorUS Food and Drug Administration
Food facility renewalEvery 2 years (even years)
Foreign facilitiesUS agent required
Food importsPrior notice

Registration by product

ProductRequirement
FoodFacility registration, US agent, prior notice, FSMA compliance
DrugsEstablishment registration, drug listing, NDC
Medical devicesEstablishment registration, listing, 510(k) where required
CosmeticsFacility registration and product listing under MoCRA

Process

  1. Appoint a US agent.
  2. Register the facility online.
  3. List products where required.
  4. Prepare for inspections and compliance.

FSMA for food exporters

Preventive controls, supplier verification and labelling compliance apply to food exporters.

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Common pitfalls

  • Missing biennial renewal
  • Non-compliant labels
  • Inadequate documentation for inspections

Frequently asked questions

Is FDA registration the same as FDA approval?

No. Registration lists your facility; approval is a separate process for certain products like new drugs.

Is there a fee for food facility registration?

FDA does not charge for food facility registration, though service providers and US agents charge fees.

What happens if registration lapses?

Shipments can be refused or detained at US ports.

Do spices exporters need FDA registration?

Yes. Spices are food and their facilities must register.

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