The FDA Product Code answers approximately “what is the product?” The Intended Use Code (IUC) answers “how or why is it being imported?”
Intended Use Code
FDA explains that an IUC consists of a base code and subcode. ACE uses the selected IUC to determine which additional data elements are required. An incorrect IUC can therefore cause other required fields to be wrong or missing and can delay FDA screening.
Do not copy an IUC from another shipment unless the product and import scenario are genuinely equivalent.
Affirmations of Compliance
Affirmation of Compliance codes allow filers to transmit supporting regulatory identifiers such as registrations, listings, approvals or other compliance information where applicable. FDA states that these codes can help expedite review, but the underlying information must be accurate.
Food-contact / ceramicware example
FDA's ACE quick-reference guidance identifies IUCs as mandatory for ceramicware and other food-contact substance (CCW) products. This illustrates why a product that looks simple from a customs perspective can still require specific FDA entry logic.