Requirements for inventory storage differ for each unique product. After all, it’s clear that clothing products and food products would have different storage needs. The supply chain for products that are consumed, applied on skin, etc. have stricter regulations than products with lower public health risks. Let's dive into what an FDA registered warehouse is and why it is important.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency that regulates the safety of products sold or manufactured in the United States such as:
Similar to the facilities that produce these products, warehouses that store, pack, or label these products must register with the FDA.
An FDA registered warehouse is exactly that, a facility or warehouse that has been registered with the FDA and approved to store FDA regulated products. The FDA has the authority to inspect facilities to ensure that they are compliant with all of the necessary regulation, and will do so every three years. They check to guarantee that the facility is adhering to the storing, packing, and shipping regulations for the sensitive products being held there.
Although it isn't required, FDA registered warehouses should be temperature or climate controlled as well. Just being FDA registered doesn’t mean a facility can handle any product. Different products require different conditions, and some may be required to be kept at a lower temperature. Temperature controlled facilities can also protect against spoiling and wasted products.
Having an FDA registered warehouse is a must for brands that sell highly regulated goods, especially packaged food, vitamins, beverages, medical products, and cosmetics. If your brand sells any of these products (or might in the future), it is imperative that you find a 3PL partner that has FDA registered warehouse(s). A strong 3PL partner can help you remind FDA compliant, avoid liabilities, and provide great service for your customers.
Finding a 3PL that is FDA registered and (as a bonus) climate controlled can be a huge difference maker for your brand. Brandfox has two warehouses that are both FDA registered and climate controlled. Contact us today to learn more about how we can safely handle each and every one of your products. You don’t need to worry about FDA compliance, we will take care of it for you!