CBP Form 5106: US importer number and the 2026 importer data checks
Every importer of record needs an identification number on file with US Customs and Border Protection, created with CBP Form 5106. Since 18 September 2026, CBP has been checking that information more strictly: a record with a forwarder's or broker's address, borrowed contact details or a power of attorney signed through a third party can be voided immediately, which stops the importer's shipments until it is fixed.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
What CBP Form 5106 does
Under 19 CFR 24.5, each person, business or other organisation files CBP Form 5106 with its first formal entry or first request for services, and a form is also required for the ultimate consignee. The identification number is the IRS employer identification number or, if there is none, a Social Security number. If the filer has neither, the CBP office receiving the form assigns an importer identification number. Customs brokers can transmit the form electronically through ACE.
A number stays on file for one year from its last use; after that, if no transaction is pending, it is removed and the business must file another Form 5106 before importing again. Importers can also ask CBP to freeze their name and address information through the voluntary freeze program.
What CBP checks since 18 September 2026
- The physical address is the importer's own, not a registered agent, customs broker, freight forwarder, P.O. box or another person's address
- The email address and phone number are valid and belong to the importer of record
- The broker's power of attorney is executed directly with the importer of record, not through a freight forwarder or other third party
- The party certifying the form has verified the information before submitting it
- Inaccurate information can lead to immediate voiding of the importer number and other enforcement action
- CBP emails a voiding notice to the importer, copying the last filing broker, with instructions to reestablish the record
What this means for foreign sellers acting as importer
CBP's notice of 19 August 2026, issued to begin implementing Executive Order 14411, says it is enforcing the accuracy of importer of record information more strictly from 18 September 2026. A foreign company importing on DDP terms whose Form 5106 lists a forwarder's or broker's US address or contact details now risks having that record voided, which would stop entries filed under that number.
A foreign seller that wants to remain importer of record should check its Form 5106 with its broker: use its own physical business address and its own email and phone, sign the power of attorney directly with the customs broker, and keep the record active. If a number is voided, the importer can request reestablishment as described in CBP's notice after correcting the data.
Step by step
- Ask your customs broker for a copy of the Form 5106 data CBP holds for your importer number.
- Replace any forwarder, broker, registered agent or P.O. box address with your own physical business address.
- Use your own company email and phone number, and remove contacts that belong to third parties.
- Sign the power of attorney directly with the customs broker, not through your freight forwarder.
- Have the broker submit the corrected Form 5106 and keep the number in use, or refile if it lapsed after a year.
Documents you usually need
- CBP Form 5106 data (name, addresses, contacts, identification number)
- IRS EIN letter, if you have an EIN
- Power of attorney signed directly with the customs broker
- Proof of the company's physical business address
- CBP voiding notice and correction records, if a number was voided
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Replace it with the importer's own physical address; forwarder, broker, registered agent and P.O. box addresses are not accepted.
What to do: Execute a new power of attorney directly between the importer of record and the customs broker.
What to do: Correct the Form 5106 data and request reestablishment as explained in CBP's voiding notice.
What to do: The number may have been removed; file a new CBP Form 5106 before the next entry.
Sources
- Accuracy of Importer of Record Data Submitted to CBP (notice of 19 August 2026) Federal Register, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- 19 CFR 24.5: Filing identification number Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Port codes by country
Trade notes
Common questions
What is CBP Form 5106?
The form that creates or updates an importer's identity record with US Customs and Border Protection, filed with the first formal entry or first request for services.
Can a foreign company without an EIN get a US importer number?
Yes. If the filer has neither an IRS employer identification number nor a Social Security number, CBP assigns an importer identification number when it receives the form.
What changed for importer of record data in 2026?
From 18 September 2026, CBP enforces the accuracy of Form 5106 data more strictly and can void importer numbers immediately for inaccurate information such as a forwarder's address.
Can I use my freight forwarder's address on Form 5106?
No. The physical address cannot be a registered agent, customs broker, freight forwarder, P.O. box or another person's address.
How long does a US importer number stay active?
It is kept for one year from its last use; if unused and no transaction is pending, it is removed and a new Form 5106 is needed.
More free tools
Triplicate is free and keeps getting better. Found it useful? Support Triplicate ♥
Prefer no ads? Pro removes all ads · $1/month