Importer of Record Number: CBP Registration, Format, and How to Find It
An importer of record number identifies the party responsible for a U.S. customs entry. In many cases, it is based on the importer’s IRS tax identification number; where that is not suitable or available, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may assign an importer number. Do not guess which identifier to use: ask the customs broker handling your entry, review earlier entry paperwork, or complete the registration process before goods arrive.
What is an importer of record number?
The importer of record (IOR) is the person or entity accountable for meeting import requirements, making accurate customs declarations, and paying applicable duties, taxes, and fees. The importer number is the identifier used to connect that responsible party to its customs entries.
This is not the same thing as appointing a customs broker. A broker can prepare and transmit an entry, but the IOR remains responsible for the accuracy of the information submitted. The role can also involve product-specific obligations, particularly where another regulator has requirements for goods such as food, medicines, chemicals, or cosmetics. An overview of U.S. importer of record responsibilities explains that the IOR retains compliance responsibility even when a broker is involved.
Is an importer of record number the same as an EIN?
Not always, although an EIN is commonly used as the importer identifier for a U.S. business. An individual importer may use a Social Security number, while an importer without an appropriate IRS number may request a CBP-assigned number. The important point is that an EIN is issued for tax administration, whereas an importer number is the identifier accepted for customs entries.
For a foreign importer of record, CBP may issue a Customs Assigned Importer Number (CAIN). That option can be relevant where a non-U.S. company is importing into the United States and needs an identifier for the entry process. It does not remove the need to establish who will be the IOR, provide accurate entry data, and meet any applicable import obligations.
How do I get an import number?
For U.S. imports, the usual registration route is CBP Form 5106, the importer identity form. A customs broker can often help prepare and submit the information, but the importer should check that the legal name, address, tax identifier, and business details match its records.
- Decide which legal person or company will act as importer of record.
- Confirm whether that party will use an IRS tax identifier or needs a CBP-assigned number.
- Complete Form 5106 with accurate entity and contact details.
- Give the completed information to the broker or the appropriate CBP entry location as directed for the entry.
- Keep a copy of the submitted form and any confirmation with your customs records.
A trade-law overview of the process notes that businesses may submit Form 5106 to CBP in connection with the location where entries will be filed. See this explanation of obtaining an importer number through Form 5106 for the distinction between the customs identifier and a general tax ID.
Importer of record number format and suffixes
There is no single format that every importer should invent or apply from an online example. The format depends on the identifier accepted for that importer, such as an EIN-based number, an individual’s tax identifier, or a CBP-assigned number. A suffix may be used in some circumstances, so the number supplied to a broker must match the importer record held for customs purposes.
Never add zeros, a suffix, or punctuation because it appears in another company’s paperwork. A sole proprietor’s circumstances can differ from those of a corporation or foreign business. Guidance on finding an importer number highlights that the underlying business structure affects which identifier may be used.
How do I find my importer number?
The quickest route is usually to check a previous customs entry, ask your customs broker, or review the importer registration information your business submitted. If you are unsure whether a number was assigned, contact the broker that filed earlier entries or CBP rather than trying to infer it from an EIN or another party’s records.
Look for the identifier in records connected with a prior import, including entry documentation and broker correspondence. Keep in mind that a commercial invoice, bill of lading, or carrier tracking record may identify a seller, consignee, or shipment, but may not reliably confirm who was declared as the IOR.
Can I perform an importer of record number lookup?
There is no reason to assume that a general public search will provide a complete or authoritative answer. Importer identifiers are tied to customs filings and sensitive business or personal information. If you need to verify your own number, use your internal records, your authorised broker, or CBP. If you need to confirm another party’s role, request written confirmation from that party or the broker managing the shipment.
Importer of Record registration: avoid common entry problems
Registration is only one part of being ready to import. Before the shipment moves, make sure the IOR, seller, consignee, and broker understand their respective roles. An IOR is the entity named on import documentation and can become responsible for resolving non-compliance discovered during clearance, as described in this guide to the importer of record role.
- Use the IOR’s exact legal name consistently across the registration information, commercial documents, and broker instructions.
- Confirm that the importer number belongs to the entity accepting customs responsibility, not merely to the buyer, supplier, or freight forwarder.
- Provide a clear product description, value, country-of-origin information, and any supporting documents requested for the entry.
- Check whether the goods are subject to other agencies’ controls before shipping.
- Retain the Form 5106 record and entry documents so discrepancies can be investigated quickly.
For businesses importing into markets beyond the United States, do not assume a CBP number works elsewhere. Other jurisdictions use their own registration systems; for example, the European Union uses EORI identifiers. The correct number is determined by the importing country’s customs rules, not by the carrier or the seller’s location.
What to give your customs broker
Give your broker the importer number only after confirming it is correct, along with the IOR’s legal name and address, the commercial invoice, packing information, and any product or regulatory documents relevant to the shipment. Ask the broker to flag inconsistencies before filing. Correcting an identity mismatch after goods have reached customs can complicate clearance and delay release.
An importer number identifies the accountable party; it does not by itself establish tariff classification, customs value, admissibility, or duty treatment. Treat it as the starting point for a compliant entry, and ensure the party named as importer of record is ready to stand behind the declaration.
