FSVP Importer Identification (DUNS)
Hello,
For some reason I am having a hard time grasping the FSVP UFI. The company I work for imports ingredients from Canada and other countries, we have our DUNS number, and we also purchase ingredients from brokers that may or may not be importing from outside of the US. Do I need DUNS numbers for companies in the US that sell us ingredients that are foreign? Do I need DUNS for all US based companies? Or do I simply need to know our own DUNS for when we do the importing ourselves. This shouldn't be this hard, but for some reason it just confuses me. This is from the FDA website:
7. Unique Facility Identifier- The final FSVP rule requires that an importer provide its name, electronic mail address, and unique facility identifier (UFI) recognized as acceptable by the FDA for each line entry of food product offered for importation into the United States.
I appreciate any feedback! Thanks!
You would be using your own DUNS number when you import food. If your U.S. broker imports food, then they should be using their own DUNS number. It boils down on who takes the responsibility of being the FSVP importer.
The issue with knowing your broker's DUNS number is then you would have the ability to list them as the FSVP Importer on customs paper work and vice versa if your broker knew your DUNS number.