If you’re importing goods into the United States, there’s a critical update you need to know. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin strictly verifying the accuracy of information on CBP Form 5106 starting September 18, 2026. If they find your information inaccurate or incomplete, your Importer of Record (IOR) number will be voided immediately.
A voided IOR number means you won’t be able to clear any shipments into the US. Your cargo could be stuck at the port, racking up demurrage and storage fees, or even be returned. The good news? This is entirely avoidable with a little preparation.
What is CBP Form 5106 and Why Does It Matter for US Customs Compliance?
CBP Form 5106, officially known as the “Create/Update Importer Identity Form,” is how you establish your IOR number. This number acts as your “ID card” in the US customs system, linking you to every import you make.
Even if you filed this form years ago, CBP is now conducting broader checks to ensure the information is current and belongs directly to your company. Staying ahead of these changes is a vital part of US customs compliance.
The 4 Checkpoints CBP Is Verifying Under the New US Customs Compliance Rules
Starting September 18, CBP will closely review the following four areas:
Entity Name and Tax ID Your company’s legal name must exactly match the name registered with the IRS for your EIN. Any mismatch can be flagged as inaccurate.
Physical Address The address you provide must be your actual place of business. The following six types of addresses are explicitly listed as non-compliant: P.O. Boxes, Registered agent addresses, Customs broker addresses, Freight forwarder addresses, Virtual office addresses, and Third-party service provider addresses.
Phone and Email CBP sends all verification notices to the email on file. If the email or phone number belongs to your broker, forwarder, or any third party, you could lose your IOR number without even knowing it until your cargo is stuck at the port.
Power of Attorney (POA) Your customs broker must hold a direct, valid POA signed by you (the IOR). Transferred or second-hand authorizations are considered invalid and can trigger your IOR’s voidance.
What Happens If Your IOR Number Is Voided?
The consequences can be severe and often cause a chain reaction of losses:
Customs Interruption: Your shipments can’t be cleared. Cargo already in transit will be stuck, possibly leading to stockouts and customer refund claims.
Financial Losses: Demurrage and storage fees can quickly pile up, escalating from around $100/day to over $300/day for prolonged delays.
No Fast Track: Restoring a voided number is a manual, time-consuming process. There’s no guarantee of how long it will take, and your compliance history won’t be wiped clean—you may remain flagged for future audits.
How to Protect Your Shipments and Maintain US Customs Compliance
Proactive checks are far better than reactive fixes. Here’s a simple checklist for every importer:
Audit Form 5106: Work with your customs broker to pull up your current filings. Confirm the company name, EIN, physical address, and contact details are accurate.
Replace Third-Party Info: If your address, phone, or email is linked to your broker or forwarder, update it immediately.
Verify Your POA: Make sure your broker holds a valid, direct POA signed by your company.
Update Regularly: If your company moves or changes its tax ID, update Form 5106 promptly.
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Expert Contributor
Colton
CEO & Founder of Presou
Colton is a veteran in the logistics industry with over 10 years of experience. He leads Presou and its subsidiary Shenzhen Dayuanjun, focusing exclusively on heavy cargo solutions (>200kg/2CBM) across major Chinese ports to the USA, UAE, and Nigeria.
US Customs to Void IOR Numbers on Sept 18: Are You Ready?
Table of Contents
If you’re importing goods into the United States, there’s a critical update you need to know. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin strictly verifying the accuracy of information on CBP Form 5106 starting September 18, 2026. If they find your information inaccurate or incomplete, your Importer of Record (IOR) number will be voided immediately.
A voided IOR number means you won’t be able to clear any shipments into the US. Your cargo could be stuck at the port, racking up demurrage and storage fees, or even be returned. The good news? This is entirely avoidable with a little preparation.
What is CBP Form 5106 and Why Does It Matter for US Customs Compliance?
CBP Form 5106, officially known as the “Create/Update Importer Identity Form,” is how you establish your IOR number. This number acts as your “ID card” in the US customs system, linking you to every import you make.
Even if you filed this form years ago, CBP is now conducting broader checks to ensure the information is current and belongs directly to your company. Staying ahead of these changes is a vital part of US customs compliance.
The 4 Checkpoints CBP Is Verifying Under the New US Customs Compliance Rules
Starting September 18, CBP will closely review the following four areas:
Your company’s legal name must exactly match the name registered with the IRS for your EIN. Any mismatch can be flagged as inaccurate.
The address you provide must be your actual place of business. The following six types of addresses are explicitly listed as non-compliant: P.O. Boxes, Registered agent addresses, Customs broker addresses, Freight forwarder addresses, Virtual office addresses, and Third-party service provider addresses.
CBP sends all verification notices to the email on file. If the email or phone number belongs to your broker, forwarder, or any third party, you could lose your IOR number without even knowing it until your cargo is stuck at the port.
Your customs broker must hold a direct, valid POA signed by you (the IOR). Transferred or second-hand authorizations are considered invalid and can trigger your IOR’s voidance.
What Happens If Your IOR Number Is Voided?
The consequences can be severe and often cause a chain reaction of losses:
Customs Interruption: Your shipments can’t be cleared. Cargo already in transit will be stuck, possibly leading to stockouts and customer refund claims.
Financial Losses: Demurrage and storage fees can quickly pile up, escalating from around $100/day to over $300/day for prolonged delays.
No Fast Track: Restoring a voided number is a manual, time-consuming process. There’s no guarantee of how long it will take, and your compliance history won’t be wiped clean—you may remain flagged for future audits.
How to Protect Your Shipments and Maintain US Customs Compliance
Proactive checks are far better than reactive fixes. Here’s a simple checklist for every importer:
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Add WhatsApp to get free assistance with supplier qualification reviews.
Colton
CEO & Founder of PresouColton is a veteran in the logistics industry with over 10 years of experience. He leads Presou and its subsidiary Shenzhen Dayuanjun, focusing exclusively on heavy cargo solutions (>200kg/2CBM) across major Chinese ports to the USA, UAE, and Nigeria.
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