# FDA’s records-access draft puts documentation in focus.

> A January 2026 draft explains FDA records-access authorities under MoCRA. Its status remains distinct from a final rule.

Canonical URL: https://cosmeticaffairs.com/regulatory/fda-records-access-draft/

Author: [Cosmetic Affairs Editorial](https://cosmeticaffairs.com/authors/editorial/)
Published: 2026-10-07T00:01:00Z
Modified: 2026-10-07T00:01:00Z
Collection: Regulatory Updates
Topics: Regulatory, Documentation, MoCRA, Recordkeeping

## Source record

- Jurisdiction: United States
- Issuing authority: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Document status: Draft guidance
- FDA announcement: 2026-01-21
- Source checked: 2026-10-07
- Initial comment deadline in the Federal Register: 2026-03-23

### Original documents

- [FDA · announcement of the records-access draft](https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events/fda-issues-draft-guidance-industry-fda-records-access-authority-cosmetics-products)

- [FDA · draft guidance (PDF)](https://www.fda.gov/media/190681/download)

- [Federal Register · notice of availability (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-22/pdf/2026-01159.pdf)

## What FDA announced

On January 21, 2026, FDA announced draft guidance about its authority to access cosmetics records under MoCRA. The announcement covers adverse-event records, certain records associated with serious health threats, and inspection authority. [Read FDA’s announcement](https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events/fda-issues-draft-guidance-industry-fda-records-access-authority-cosmetics-products).

## Document status

The linked document is labeled draft guidance. It discusses the agency’s interpretation of existing statutory authorities; this announcement is not itself a new final regulation. The [draft document](https://www.fda.gov/media/190681/download) and the underlying law should be read separately.

## Dates to keep with the source

The [Federal Register notice](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-22/pdf/2026-01159.pdf) gave March 23, 2026 as the deadline for comments to receive consideration before work began on the final guidance. That date has passed. It should not be presented as a currently open consultation deadline.

## Editorial context

This is a useful source for a documentation discussion: which records exist, who holds them, and which authority is being discussed. The exact circumstances for access matter as much as the record category.