FDA Enforcement

FDA Issues Draft Guidance for Registration and Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products

On August 7, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance to assist cosmetics companies submitting cosmetic product listings and cosmetic product facility registrations to the agency. The agency characterized the guidance as playing a critical role in helping to ensure the safety of cosmetic products that many consumers use day-to-day.

Background

The growth in the cosmetics industry over the last several years prompted Congress to pass the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). in 2022. MoCRA modernizes and strengthens cosmetics regulations in the United States and gives the FDA additional authority. Key MoCRA requirements include:

  • FDA registration for cosmetics facilities
  • Product listings for each cosmetic product
  • Adverse event reporting
  • Safety substantiation
  • Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Fragrance allergen labeling

MoCRA also gives the FDA new records access and mandatory recall authority. To assist companies in their MoCRA compliance efforts, the FDA has published new guidance answering key questions and providing recommendations.

Draft Guidance

The draft guidance for industry describes MoCRA requirements for facility registration and product listings, as well as the exemptions for certain small businesses. The guidance explains:

  • The statutory requirement to submit cosmetic product facility registrations and product listings
  • Definitions
  • Who is responsible for making the submissions
  • What information to include in the submissions
  • How to make the submissions
  • When to make the submissions

The document also answers key questions such as what to do if a product is both a drug and a cosmetic product and whether there are fees to submit a registration […]

A New Era in Cosmetics Regulation: The Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act

In recent years, the cosmetics industry has experienced exponential growth, with new products being introduced almost daily. The average American consumer uses six to 12 cosmetics products daily. This growth has resulted in a need for more comprehensive regulation of cosmetic products to ensure consumer safety. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) is a new law that aims to modernize and strengthen cosmetic regulations in the United States. 

MoCRA was signed into law on January 1, 2022, and replaces the previous Cosmetic Act, which had not been updated since 1938. MoCRA brings significant changes to the cosmetic industry and regulations under MoCRA will impact the entire lifecycle of cosmetics products from manufacturing to marketing.  

New MoCRA requirements include:  

  • FDA registration for cosmetics facilities 
  • Product listings for each cosmetic product 
  • Adverse event reporting 
  • Safety substantiation 
  • Compliance with Good Manufacturing […]

FDA Begins Enforcement of DUNS Number Requirement for Food Facility Registrations 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now enforcing the requirement that every Food Facility Registration has a valid DUNS number. The FDA officially began enforcement on January 1, 2023 but gave a 60-day grace period before beginning to verify numbers.

What is a DUNS Number?

DUNS stands for Data Universal Numbering System. It is a proprietary system developed by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) that assigns a unique number to a business entity that is recognized worldwide. The DUNS system is not unique to the FDA. Other DUNS users include the UN, Apple, and the European Commission.

Why is the FDA Requiring This Now?

The FDA has required food facilities to register with the agency since 2002, but a DUNS number was not required up until now. The DUNS requirement dates back to 2016 when the agency issued a rule implementing new food facility registration requirements. Under the rule, the FDA requires facilities to provide a unique facility identifier (UFI) when registering. Subsequent guidance provided that a DUNS number is an acceptable UFI for registration.

The utilization of DUNS numbers will help the FDA:

  • Improve accuracy and consistency in the registration database
  • Identify facilities that pose a risk
  • Verify the authenticity of registrations
  • Ensure that facility information is up to date

The FDA has been working with facilities who have had difficulty obtaining a DUNS number and has issued guidance allowing registrants to enter a “PENDING” status if they cannot obtain a number in time.

What Do Food Facilities Need to Do?

Food facilities that […]

Don’t be a Target, Learn Best Practices to Mitigate FDA Enforcement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in full enforcement mode issuing 260 warning letters in 2021 alone! Now is the time to ensure your products are in compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) prior to importation. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and others engaged in the production or sale of over the counter (OTC) drugs or cosmetic products must be aware of FDA’s various enforcement mechanisms, and more importantly,  how to avoid and/or mitigate such actions.  FDA’s most common enforcement activities include notices of FDA action, warning letters, seizures, voluntary recalls, injunctions, and criminal prosecution.

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