MoCRA registration is not an FDA certificate: what a cosmetic registration number means

Updated 2026-10-12

The short answer

No. FDA says it does not issue certificates or other documents to verify compliance for cosmetic product facility registration or cosmetic product listing. That includes a certificate, a verification letter or email, and a document saying that a facility or responsible person is not required to register or list.

A cosmetic facility registration or product listing is not an FDA approval program and is not a promotional credential. FDA specifically says that assigning a facility registration number or product listing number does not indicate FDA approval of the facility or its cosmetic products.

What the two MoCRA records actually do

The owner or operator of a facility that manufactures or processes cosmetic products for US distribution generally registers the facility, subject to applicable exemptions. A person required to register renews the facility registration every two years; FDA bases the renewal date on the initial registration date.

The responsible person lists each marketed cosmetic product, including its ingredients, and provides updates annually. FDA defines the responsible person as the manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the product label. The facility owner, importer, marketplace seller, and responsible person can be different parties.

What to keep instead of asking for a certificate

Keep the actual submission and account records: the facility identity and contact information, the applicable facility-registration record, product-listing record, and the communications needed to maintain them. For a foreign facility, make sure the US-agent contact details in the facility registration are current and able to receive FDA communications.

If a customer, marketplace, or business partner asks for an "FDA certificate," ask what evidence they actually need. Do not describe a registration number, product-listing number, or a private consultant's work as FDA approval, certification, endorsement, or a compliance certificate.

How to check the next action

First determine whether the facility and products are in scope and whether an exemption could apply. FDA has a decision tool for the facility-registration question and publishes the current registration and listing instructions. Then separate the facility-registration task from the responsible person's product-listing task.

For the underlying MoCRA requirements, see our source-linked MoCRA compliance guide. Amazon sellers can also see what MoCRA requires of a cosmetics seller.

Common questions

Does FDA issue a MoCRA certificate?

No. FDA says it does not issue certificates or other documents to verify compliance for cosmetic facility registration or cosmetic product listing.

Does an FDA cosmetic facility registration number mean FDA approved my cosmetics?

No. FDA states that a facility registration number or product listing number does not indicate FDA approval of the facility or its cosmetic products.

Who renews a cosmetic facility registration?

Every person required to register a cosmetic facility must renew it every two years. FDA says the renewal date is based on the initial registration date.

Who submits a cosmetic product listing?

The responsible person lists each marketed cosmetic product and its ingredients, and provides updates annually. FDA defines the responsible person as the manufacturer, packer, or distributor named on the product label.

What should I provide if someone asks for proof of MoCRA compliance?

Confirm the requester's precise evidence requirement and use accurate records. Do not represent a registration or listing number as FDA approval, certification, endorsement, or an FDA-issued compliance certificate.

Sources

• FDA, Registration & Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products (updated September 2026) — fda.gov
• FDA, Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) — fda.gov

This guide is general information, not legal advice and not a determination that a particular facility or product must register or be listed. FDA registration and listing are not FDA approval, clearance, certification, endorsement, or a client relationship.