Navigating MoCRA Compliance: FDA Confirms No Official Verification Certificates Are Issued for Cosmetic Registrations

Cosmetic brands and manufacturers navigating e-commerce onboarding have recently faced growing pressure to produce official government documentation proving their regulatory standing. In a September 9, 2026 announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally addressed this confusion by confirming that the agency never issues compliance certificates, confirmation emails, formal letters, or any comparable verification records for cosmetic businesses. Specifically, the regulator does not generate official paperwork to validate facility registrations, product listings, or eligibility for statutory exemptions.

Why Digital Marketplaces Are Driving Industry Inquiries:

The agency released this public notice following a sharp increase in requests from industry stakeholders seeking government-issued compliance proof. This wave of inquiries has been largely fueled by online retail channels mandating that merchants submit evidence of FDA registration or formal exemption confirmation prior to permitting product listings on their digital storefronts.

Core Obligations Under MoCRA:

While official verification certificates do not exist, mandatory filing rules remain strictly in effect under Section 607 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, as updated by the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA):

• Owners of manufacturing or processing facilities are required to complete and renew their FDA registration on a two-year cycle.
• Designated responsible persons must submit comprehensive product and ingredient listings to the agency every year.
• The FDA underscored that receiving an agency-assigned listing or registration number does not equate to regulatory approval and must not be leveraged for promotional or advertising purposes.

If you need further regulatory details regarding facility registration and product listing protocols, please contact our team.