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Entry and importer identity · CBP

CBP Form 5106: Create/Update Importer Identity Form

CBP Form 5106 gives CBP your legal name, ID number, addresses, phone and email. CBP uses it to create or update your importer number. Since September 18, 2026, inaccurate data can get that number voided.

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At a glance

Issued by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Rule
19 CFR 24.5
Who certifies it
The importer (block 1 party)
Who sends it
Your broker through ABI, or you by email to a CBP Center
Current edition
CBP Form 5106 (06/26)

CBP Form 5106

What is CBP Form 5106?

CBP Form 5106 is the Create/Update Importer Identity Form. It gives CBP the identity of an importer, a consignee or another party that receives CBP bills or refunds (19 CFR 24.5).

The ID number is your IRS employer identification number (EIN). A person with no EIN can use a Social Security number. CBP assigns a number to a party that has neither, for example a foreign company.

The same form records a change of name or address. A broker also uses it to reactivate an importer number that CBP made inactive.

Since September 18, 2026, inaccurate 5106 data can void your importer number

CBP is reviewing the 5106 data on file for new and existing importers. If the data is inaccurate or incomplete, CBP voids the number at once. CBP emails the notice to the importer's most recent email on file and copies the last broker (91 FR 53627).

Who and when

Who needs it and when?

  • File it with your first formal entry, or your first request for a service that leads to a bill or refund (19 CFR 24.5(a)). The ultimate consignee of an entry needs one on file too.
  • File an update when your legal name, address, phone or email changes.
  • CBP removes a number that has not been used for 1 year and has no open transaction (19 CFR 24.5(e)). Since July 16, 2026, ACE marks an importer number with no entry in 366 days as "Inactive for Entry Purposes" (CBP message).

Roles

Who signs it and who files it?

  • The importer certifies the data and signs Section 4. The form states that the party in block 1 is responsible for the information. False statements can lead to fines or prison (18 U.S.C. 1001).
  • A licensed customs broker usually transmits the data through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI). An importer can also email the form to a CBP Center of Excellence and Expertise (91 FR 53627).
  • Brokers must use due diligence on the data. They must not send data they know or should know is false (19 CFR 111.29(a) and 111.32).
  • A broker that files for you needs a power of attorney signed directly with you, not through a forwarder (19 CFR 111.36(c)(3)). How our power of attorney works.

Avoid delays

What mistakes delay it?

  • A physical address that is not yours

    The physical address must be where the business or person actually is. CBP does not accept a registered agent, broker, forwarder, P.O. box or business service center. The principal's home address is allowed.

  • A broker's or forwarder's email or phone

    The email and phone must be valid and belong to the importer. A broker or other third party may not put its own contact data on your 5106.

  • A name that does not match the ID number

    Use the full legal name of the company or person that owns the EIN or SSN. Put a trade name in the DBA blocks (1C and 1D).

  • A P.O. box with no physical address

    If the mailing address in 2A is a P.O. box, block 2B must give the physical location. Each street line has a limit of 32 characters.

  • An LLC marked as a corporation

    The form instructions say an LLC is not a corporation. Select the company type in block 1G that matches your formation papers.

  • A name or address change with no bond rider

    With an active bond, a change of name or address also needs a rider on the bond. A CBP test can waive the rider.

Official source

Where do I get the official form?

CBP posts the form as a fillable PDF. Download it from CBP each time, because CBP replaces the edition without notice.

The PDF shows OMB control number 1651-0064, with an expiration date of 06/30/2027.

Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 5106 (06/26), posted June 18, 2026. We link to the official source and do not host copies, because agencies replace forms without notice.

Allied CHB

How can Allied help with CBP Form 5106?

We collect your 5106 data when you sign our power of attorney. We check the name, ID number, address, phone and email against your documents before we transmit it.

Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.

Sign the Allied power of attorney We collect your 5106 data when you sign our power of attorney online.

Request: Help with CBP Form 5106

Quote on request

Do not send an EIN, a Social Security number or a password in this form. We ask for them securely later.

Or call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com.

Questions

What else do people ask about CBP Form 5106?

Do I need a new CBP Form 5106 if I imported before?

Not if your number is active and the data is still correct. File an update when your name, address, phone or email changes. File again if CBP removed or deactivated the number after a year without use.

Can a foreign company file CBP Form 5106?

Yes. A foreign business with no EIN or SSN asks for a CBP-assigned number in block 1E. It gives its foreign address with the 2-letter country ISO code.

What happens if CBP voids my importer number?

The number becomes invalid for any purpose, including entry. CBP emails a notice with the reason and explains how to ask for reestablishment. You must send information that corroborates your identity (91 FR 53627).

How do I reactivate an inactive importer number?

Your broker sends an update through ABI. If that does not work, a revised 5106 goes by email to a CBP Center team. CBP described this process in June 2026.

Is the 5106 the same as a customs bond?

No. The 5106 identifies you. The bond, on CBP Form 301, guarantees that duty will be paid. Most formal entries need both.

Need help with CBP Form 5106?

Tell us what you received or what you plan to import. We reply with the next step and a written quote.

Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com

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Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.

Sources