When exporting heat-processed canned foods to the U.S. market, registering for an FCE (Food Canning Establishment) number with the FDA is a mandatory requirement. This is the first step toward obtaining FDA approval for your products to clear customs and enter the U.S. However, the registration process involves multiple steps and technical requirements under the FDA’s regulatory framework. As a trusted service provider, Gplus is authorized to handle the entire registration process on behalf of your business, ensuring accuracy, speed, and compliance with FDA regulations.
What is FCE?
FCE stands for Food Canning Establishment, referring to the registration of facilities that manufacture shelf-stable canned foods processed through heat sterilization.
What types of products require registration?
Registration is mandatory for products that fall under the following two categories:
- LACF – Low-Acid Canned Foods: These are foods with a pH greater than 4.6 and water activity (aw) above 0.85, such as canned meat, canned fish, soups, beans, and vegetables not preserved in vinegar.
- AF – Acidified Foods: These are products with an initial pH above 4.6, which is adjusted to pH 4.6 or below by adding acid (e.g., vinegar, citric acid, lactic acid). Examples include pickled vegetables and tomato sauces.
Registering for an number not only enables your products to enter the U.S. legally, but also serves as evidence of compliance with U.S. food safety regulations.
The role of FCE in exporting food to the U.S.
Obtaining an FCE number helps businesses:
- Meet FDA legal requirements for exporting products to the U.S. market
- Demonstrate food safety management capability at the manufacturing facility
- Build trust with import partners and consumers, increasing opportunities to expand into international markets
How does Gplus assist clients with FCE registration?
The entire registration process is handled by Gplus under a legal authorization model. Clients are not required to deal with complex procedures themselves—just provide basic information about their facility and products. From documentation to working directly with the FDA, Gplus’s expert team manages everything comprehensively.
Information collection and initial consultation
Upon initial contact, Gplus collects the necessary input data, including:
- Name and address of the food processing facility
- Type of product intended for export (e.g., pâté, sauces, thermally processed canned foods)
- General production process
Based on this information, Gplus specialists assess whether the product falls under the mandatory FCE registration categories according to the FDA: LACF (Low-Acid Canned Foods) or AF (Acidified Foods)
Preparing documentation and data according to FDA standards
On behalf of the client, Gplus will:
- Draft, revise, and standardize data related to the facility
- Translate technical documents into English
- Finalize the electronic application in the correct FDA format
All forms are meticulously reviewed to avoid rejection or revision requests from the FDA.
registration on behalf of the client
Using verified, specialized registration accounts, Gplus acts as a legal representative to submit the application directly to the FDA system. Clients are not required to create an account or interact with the FDA themselves, thus minimizing risk and procedural errors.
Receiving and delivering the number
Once the registration is approved, the FDA issues an official FCE number. Gplus will:
- Deliver the valid number to the client
- Guide proper storage and reference of the number in compliance documents
- Provide sample templates for using the FCE number in export documentation
Post-registration support and periodic updates
Even after registration, Gplus remains a partner throughout the client’s export journey, offering:
- Guidance on proper use of the FCE number in export forms and importer declarations
- Updates on regulatory changes from the FDA related to FCE
- Support in routine checks or information updates when the facility or product changes
With this end-to-end service, Gplus ensures that businesses can expand into the U.S. market confidently, without legal risks from FDA non-compliance.
What You Need to Provide
To allow us to proceed with your FCE registration, please prepare:
- Business license or equivalent documentation
- Facility address and contact details
- Product list intended for export
- Product images or labels (if available)
Processing Time
With accurate information, the average processing time for FCE registration is 3–5 business days. Gplus can also accommodate urgent cases with expedited support.
The registration is a critical step in bringing canned food products into the U.S. market. With our in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in FDA procedures, Gplus is committed to supporting your business from the initial step to final clearance. Don’t risk shipment delays or import denials due to missing FCE numbers — we’re here to help.
Contact Gplus if you need assistance.
