The Complete Guide to CBP Form 5106 (Importer Identity Form)

In order to begin importing into the U.S., all prospective importers must submit CBP Form 5106, also known as the Importer Identity Form. 

Used both to create an account for first-time importers, or to update a current account, this document ensures your information, and all essential business records, are up to date with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Our complete guide below covers all of the important details regarding CBP Form 5106, including the information you'll need, a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the form, and more.

What is a 5106 Form?

CBP Form 5106 is the Importer Identity Form. CBP uses this form to keep track of importers’ identification information, per 19 CFR 24.5. This is an important form used for verifying the identity of the importer, tracking their importing history, and ensuring that they are abiding by all the laws for importing into the U.S. Once you submit this form, you will become known as an Importer of Record (IOR).

When is the Importer Identity Form Required?

Form 5106 is required for all importer filings that are classified as formal entries. A formal entry is a type of import that is either intended for commercial purposes or valued at more than $2,500. If your shipment falls under that category, then you’re going to need to fill in and submit this document. 

When you change your name, address, phone number, or any other type of personally-identifying information or contact information, you will need to submit a revised version of this form to CBP to ensure that your information stays up to date. Outdated information can create many problems when you try to import again, including hefty fines.

Related: What Documents Do I Need To Import and Export?

How Do I File CBP Form 5106

The Importer Identity Form can be overwhelming at first glance. The form itself is three pages long, with an additional two pages of information that follows. The document is extremely detailed, and requires you to put in several pieces of information you likely won’t know off the top of your head. 

Here is a general breakdown of the kinds of information you will be expected to provide:

• Your name
• Your company’s name
• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• The number of times you intend to import in a year
• Your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Your contact information
• Your CBP Assigned Number 
• Program Codes, if you are affiliated with any CBP Partnership Programs
• A description of your business
• The year your business was established
• Your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code
• Your Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Number
• Your business’s banking information
• The names, SSNs, and contact information for several individuals in your company with insight and authority regarding financial decisions for the business
• Your broker’s information
• Your name, the date, and your signature

All of the details that you provide in this document are important. If you are filling out the form and there is a section you do not understand or don’t know how to fill in, do not guess. 

If you feel like you need help, reach out to a licensed customs broker for clarification and assistance. In the meantime, I’ll detail instructions on how to fill out the form, step by step.

Step 1: Determine Your Type of Action

• The first step in filling out this form involves choosing which type of action you plan on taking by filling this form:
  • First Time or Reactivating: For if this is your first time requesting services from CBP or if your Importer Number is inactive and needs to be reactivated.
  • Name Change: For if you need to update the name associated with your Importer Number.
  • Address Change: For if you need to update the address associated with your Importer Number.
• If you’re changing your name or address and have an active bond with CBP, you might need to submit additional documents.

Step 2: Provide Your Name and Identification Information

• Full Legal Name (1A): Enter the full legal name of the company or individual requesting service.
• Tax ID or SSN (1B): Enter your IRS Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number. If you don’t have one, check “NONE.”
• Division/AKA/DBA (1C-1D): If your business is a division of another company, known by another name, or operates under a different name (DBA), fill this out. If so, provide the parent company’s details here.
• Request a CBP Number (1E): If you don’t have a tax ID or SSN and need a CBP-assigned number, fill this out. Also, complete block 3J with your title, name, and SSN.
• CBP-Assigned Number (1F): If you already have a CBP-assigned number and are making a change, enter it here.
• Type of Company (1G): Select the option that best describes your company structure (e.g., Corporation, LLC).
• Estimated Imports (1H): Provide an estimate of the number of entries your company will import into the U.S. in one year.
• Role (1I): Check the boxes that describe how your company’s name and identification number will be used (e.g., Importer of Record, Carrier, etc.).
• CBP Partnership Programs (1J-1M): If your company participates in CBP Partnership Programs (like C-TPAT or ISA), provide the program codes here.

Step 3: Enter Your Address Information

• Mailing Address (2A): Fill in your mailing address. This is where you want correspondence sent. This includes:
  • Street Address: Street number or P.O. Box.
  • City, State/Province, Zip Code: Provide the city, state/province, and postal code.
  • Country ISO Code: Only required for foreign addresses.
• Physical Location (2B): If your business address is different from your mailing address, enter it here. This cannot be a P.O. Box.
• Contact Information (2C-2F): Provide your phone number, fax number, email address, and website (if applicable).

Step 4: Provide Detailed Company Information

• Business Description (3A): Write a brief description of what your business does.
• NAICS Code (3B): If you know your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, provide it here.
• Dun & Bradstreet Number (3C): If available, provide your Dun & Bradstreet Number.
• Filer Code (3D): If you are a self-filer or broker using your own filer code, enter it here.
• Year Established (3E): Indicate the year your company was established.
• Related Businesses (3F): List the names and identification numbers of any related businesses.
• Banking Information (3G): Provide the primary banking information for your company.
• Articles of Incorporation (3H-3I): Provide the state or country where your business is incorporated and the unique identifying number of your certificate or articles of incorporation.
• Company Officers (3J): List the beneficial owners or company officers with importing and financial knowledge of the company. Include their SSN or passport information if you selected a CBP-assigned number in 1E.

How to Submit CBP Form 5106

There are a few different ways to file your completed form with CBP. If you are self-filing, you can submit it through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal. The ACE portal allows importers to submit many different importing and compliance forms, and it streamlines the process considerably. 

With that said, the ACE system is not designed for people who don’t have experience importing. The process of importing is incredibly complicated, and if you aren’t sure what you’re doing, messing around with the ACE system could only create confusion and slow the process down. 

By far, the quickest and easiest solution for submitting your Importer Identity Form is to utilize the assistance of a customs broker. Customs brokers have access to the ACE Automated Broker Interface (ABI), and their experience and familiarity with the system mean they can get your form submitted correctly in a matter of minutes. 

At USA Customs Clearance, you can register as an Importer of Record right here on our site! Just fill out the application and we’ll submit the paperwork on your behalf. You’ll then be registered within 24 hours. 

What If My Shipment is Being Held by Customs?

If your shipment is being held by customs, it might be because of a missing or inaccurate Importer Identity Form in CBP records.

Remember that this form informs CBP of your identity. Without it, your file could look suspicious, and that is more than enough of a reason for CBP to not let your shipment pass into the U.S. CBP won’t let anything pass through a port of entry unless it abides by all the rules and regulations for importing.

If you need help creating a new one (or correcting an incorrect or incomplete form), then don’t hesitate to reach out to a customs broker for help. A broker can help you complete the form quickly so you can get your shipment moving again in no time. 

It’s important to note that even if your shipment is held in customs for a different reason, a customs broker will be able to find out exactly what you need to do to get your cargo released. 

Get Help Filling Out CBP Form 5106

Helping people import into the U.S. is what we do here at USA Customs Clearance. Whether you’re looking to buy a customs bond to insure your shipment, or you need help understanding Customs Regulations, you can count on us. 

Our customs brokers are skilled at filing CBP Form 5106 and all other importer documentation quickly and correctly, to save you time and stress. Fill out your application today and you can be registered within 24 hours.

If you’re in need of assistance, request a quote for customs brokerage or give us a call at (855) 912-0406.