Cargo Systems Messaging Service

CSMS #51738135 - Update to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for Food Importers Data Requirements

This CSMS updates information on entry data requirements for importers subject to FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Food Importers (FSVP) regulation.  

Currently, FDA guidance provides that FSVP Importers may temporarily submit “UNK” (unknown) in place of the DUNS number for the FSVP Importer in PG19. In issuing this guidance, FDA explained that while the agency expected all importers to provide their Unique Firm Identifier (UFI) in accordance with 21 CFR 1.509(a); the agency recognized that this was a new requirement, and some factors may have prevented importers from doing so. FDA therefore established a temporary policy providing FSVP importers unable to immediately obtain a DUNS number to transmit the value “UNK” in the UFI field for shipments subject to FSVP entry requirements.   

Beginning July 24, 2022, FDA will end its temporary policy of permitting use of the entity identification code “UNK.” FSVP importers have now had ample time to familiarize themselves with the requirements in 21 CFR 1.509(a).  Accordingly, consistent with 21 CFR 1.509(a), the FSVP importer must ensure that their valid, 9-digit DUNS number is provided in the Entity Number field.  No earlier than July 24, 2022, CBP will reject an entry line of a food subject to the FSVP regulation when the importer’s DUNS number is not provided in the Entity Number field. 

For more information, please see the updated Guidance for Industry: 

Compliance with Providing an Acceptable Unique Facility Identifier for the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Food Importers Regulation: Guidance for Industry 

The deployment dates in the CERT and Production environments will be announced in a future message.

For details on the data requirements for entry filing relating to the FSVP regulation, please review CBP's Cargo Systems Messaging Service message CSMS #17-000314 on CBP's website at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/19e839a and the FDA Supplemental Guide for the Automated Commercial Environment. 

For questions about the FSVP requirement for FSVP importers to ensure that their name, email address, and DUNS number are provided for each line entry of food offered for entry into the United States, please contact FDA’s Division of Import Operations via email at FDAImportsInquiry@fda.hhs.gov.  

For technical questions related to the FSVP regulation, please contact the FSMA Technical Assistance Network (TAN) at FSMA TAN to submit your questions electronically. 

This CSMS message supersedes CSMS# 49761156, 45134970 and CSMS# 17-000255. 

Related CSMS messages: 17-000314, 45134970, 17-000255