Entry and importer identity · Allied CHB
Customs power of attorney
A licensed customs broker must hold a valid power of attorney from you before it files anything with CBP in your name. Allied's power of attorney is signed online. We do not publish a PDF of it.
At a glance
- Rules
- 19 CFR 141.32 and 141.46
- Who signs
- The importer
- Where
- Online at alliedchb.com/poa
- Filed with CBP
- No. The broker keeps it.
Customs POA
What is a customs power of attorney?
A customs power of attorney (POA) authorizes a licensed customs broker to transact customs business for you. Without it, the broker cannot file an entry, a 5106 or a protest in your name.
CBP Form 5291 is one format CBP accepts. A broker's own form is valid if it is explicit and executed in the same manner (19 CFR 141.32).
The broker keeps the POA with its records. It is not filed with CBP, but CBP can ask to see it (19 CFR 141.46).
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- Every importer of record who uses a broker. This includes a person who imports once, for example a car, a household move or a parcel held by CBP.
- Sign it before the first entry. We cannot transmit your 5106 or an entry until the POA is in place.
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The importer signs. For a company, a person with authority to sign for the company signs.
- The broker must execute the POA directly with the importer, not through a freight forwarder or other third party (19 CFR 111.36(c)(3)).
- CBP expects the broker to use due diligence on the importer data it files (91 FR 53627). Our online POA collects that data at the same time.
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
A POA collected by a forwarder
A POA that a forwarder signs up for the broker does not meet 19 CFR 111.36(c)(3). Sign directly with the broker.A name that is not the importer's legal name
The POA must be in the exact legal name of the importer of record. For a parcel held by CBP, that is the name in Box 1 of the notice.A signer without authority
The person who signs for a company must have authority to bind it. Give the signer's title.
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
CBP does not require one specific form (19 CFR 141.32). Sign Allied's power of attorney online. It takes about five minutes.
- Official page19 CFR 141.32 (opens in a new tab)
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with a customs power of attorney?
Sign our power of attorney online. If your case is unusual, for example a trust or a foreign corporation, call us first.
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 Online, in about five minutes, directly with Allied CHB.
Request: Help with a customs power of attorney
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about a customs power of attorney?
Can Allied use a POA I signed for another broker?
No. A POA names the broker it authorizes. We need a POA that names Allied CHB Inc.
Does a foreign company need a POA?
Yes. A foreign importer of record signs a POA the same way. Our online form asks the questions that apply to foreign companies.
How long does it take to sign?
About five minutes online at alliedchb.com/poa.
Is the POA filed with CBP?
No. The broker keeps it with its records and shows it to CBP on request (19 CFR 141.46).
Need help with a customs power of attorney?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
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.