Drugs & Pharma

READY TO ENSURE YOUR FDA COMPLIANCE?

Let’s discuss how we can support your drug or pharmaceutical business. Get a free consultation today.

Drugs & Pharma FAQs

Do foreign drug manufacturers need a U.S. Agent?

Yes. A foreign drug or pharmaceutical establishment must designate a U.S. Agent before it can register with the FDA. The U.S. Agent serves as the official point of contact for FDA communications and inspection coordination.

How often does drug establishment registration need to be renewed?

Every year, between October 1 and December 31. Miss that window and the FDA automatically deactivates the registration on January 1 and removes the establishment’s products from the NDC directory.

What’s the difference between establishment registration and drug listing?

Establishment registration covers the facility itself, where manufacturing, repackaging, or relabeling happens. Drug listing is separate and per-product: each drug gets its own National Drug Code (NDC) and listing record tied back to the registered establishment.

What is Structured Product Labeling (SPL), and why does it matter?

SPL is the XML-based format the FDA has required since 2009 for submitting drug establishment registration, listing, and labeling data. It’s not optional; registration and listing submissions that aren’t in SPL format won’t be accepted.