Frequently Asked Questions

CBP Form 5106, officially titled the Create/Update Importer Identity Form, is the document used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish and maintain the identity of every importer, consignee, and party involved in formal trade activity in the United States. It is governed by 19 CFR 24.5 and authorized under 19 U.S.C. 1484 and 31 U.S.C. 7701.

When you file Form 5106, CBP creates an Importer of Record (IOR) number for you, typically linked to your IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN). This number is used to identify you across all future customs transactions, entries, and refund requests.