MoCRA U.S. Agent Pricing: What Agent Services Cost and Include

Every foreign cosmetic facility needs a U.S. agent – but what should that service cost? Agent pricing varies widely across providers, and the lack of transparency in the market makes comparison difficult. This guide explains what U.S. agent services typically include, how pricing is structured, what drives cost differences, and how to evaluate value – using our own published pricing as a concrete example.

We will not quote competitors’ prices here, because they change frequently and we cannot verify them. Instead, we will explain the components so you can compare any providers on equal terms.

What U.S. agent services typically include

While offerings differ, a full-service U.S. agent generally provides:

• Designation as your U.S. agent on your FDA facility registration – the core legal requirement.
• Facility registration filing – preparing and submitting your initial registration through Cosmetics Direct.
• Product listing support – assistance with listing your cosmetic products.
• FDA correspondence handling – receiving, reviewing, and promptly forwarding all FDA communications.
• Renewal tracking and filing – monitoring your biennial renewal date and preparing the renewal submission.
• Amendment support – updating your registration when details change (new address, new contact, agent changes).
• Regulatory guidance – answering questions about MoCRA requirements as they arise.

Some providers bundle all of this; others charge separately for filings, renewals, or consultations. Always ask for an itemized breakdown.

How agent pricing is typically structured

Most providers use one of these models:

• One-time setup fee plus monthly subscription. An initial fee covers the registration filing and onboarding; an ongoing monthly fee covers continuous representation, correspondence handling, and renewal tracking. This is the most common model.
• Annual flat fee. A single yearly payment covering all services. Simpler to budget, but less flexible if you need to cancel mid-year.
• Per-filing fees. Separate charges for initial registration, each renewal, amendments, and product listings, sometimes on top of a base representation fee.

Watch for the total cost of ownership, not just the headline price. A low monthly fee with expensive add-ons for every filing can exceed a higher all-inclusive rate.

Our pricing, transparently

For reference, our service charges a $450 one-time filing fee plus $34.99 per month per facility. The one-time fee covers preparing and submitting your facility registration; the monthly fee covers ongoing U.S. agent representation, FDA correspondence handling, renewal tracking, and support. There are no cancellation fees and no lock-in – you can cancel anytime, and the paid month runs out with a formal resignation filed.

We publish this here so you have at least one concrete data point. When comparing providers, ask each one for the same breakdown: what is the setup fee, what is the recurring fee, what is included, and what costs extra.

What drives price differences

• Scope of services. Basic mail-forwarding agents cost less than full-service providers that handle filings, renewals, and regulatory questions.
• Support quality. Providers with knowledgeable staff who answer questions promptly charge for that expertise.
• Technology. Portals for tracking filings, automated renewal reminders, and document storage add value – and cost.
• Scale. Larger providers may offer lower per-facility pricing; boutique providers may charge more for personalized service.

Red flags in agent pricing

• Government fees added on. There are no FDA fees for cosmetics registration. Any FDA fee line item is fictitious.
• Mandatory multi-year contracts. Reputable providers allow cancellation. Long lock-ins with heavy penalties deserve scrutiny.
• Vague scopes. If a provider cannot clearly list what is included versus what costs extra, assume the extras will surprise you.
• Certificate upsells. FDA issues no certificates. Any certificate fee is for a worthless document.

How to compare: Ask every provider the same five questions: (1) What is the total first-year cost? (2) What is included? (3) What costs extra? (4) What are the cancellation terms? (5) Who handles our biennial renewal? The answers reveal more than any marketing page.

New to MoCRA? Start with our complete MoCRA Compliance Guide for Cosmetic Brands (2026).

Frequently asked questions

Is a cheaper agent just as good?

Not necessarily. The agent’s core value is reliability – receiving every FDA communication and acting on deadlines. An unresponsive bargain agent can cost far more in missed renewals or lost correspondence than the savings.

Do we pay per facility or per company?

Typically per facility, since each location has its own registration, FEI, and renewal date. Our pricing, for example, is per facility per month.

Are there really no hidden FDA fees?

Correct. FDA charges nothing for cosmetic facility registration, product listing, renewals, or updates. Your costs are for private services, not government fees.

Can we change agents if we find a better price?

Yes. Appoint the new agent via an amended registration before the old agent resigns, ensuring no gap in representation. There should be no penalty for switching beyond any contractual terms with your current provider.

US MoCRA Agent is a private service provider and is not affiliated with the FDA. Questions about our pricing: usmocra@outlook.com – +1 909-997-0000 – pricing.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. US MoCRA Agent is a private service provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FDA. Regulatory details are based on FDA’s published guidance and are current as of September 2026; always verify requirements against FDA’s official sources before acting.

Related Guides

• Who Can Be Your MoCRA U.S. Agent? Requirements Explained — the legal requirement behind the service.
• How to Change or Transfer Your MoCRA U.S. Agent — if you’re switching providers.
• MoCRA Biennial Renewal: Keeping Your Facility Registration Current — renewal tracking agents provide.