“Strengthening Customs Enforcement”

New Importer of Record requirements

On June 3, the White House issued an Executive Order entitled “Strengthening Customs Enforcement“. This order set new requirements for information required to be provided by a U.S. Importer of Record (“IOR”), and greatly increased requirements for Foreign IOR’s.

This order also included a requirement to “update the IOR registry” to remove inactive IOR’s and ensure that all IOR’s have current and complete information on file with CBP.

On August 18, CBP announced new requirements in the Federal Register for all IOR’s to ensure that information provided on Form 5106, which is the form used to provide information about an importer to CBP, is current and complete. As of September 18, CBP may void the IOR number of an importer who’s information on file with CBP is inaccurate. This would render that importer unable to import until a new form is submitted and approved by CBP.

So, what does this mean for you?

• If you have not imported in a long time, it would be a good idea to check the form 5106 information CBP has on file, and update it if necessary before any shipment proceeds. We can assist with that.
• If you have been importing, or plan to import, on a DDP basis, where the foreign seller acts as IOR, this may no longer be possible. Check with the seller before any shipment to avoid customs delays and related costs. Note that if a change in shipment terms from DDP to another INCOTERM is called for, we may be able to arrange the clearance ….. or transport from origin. Ask us for a quote!

As always, American Cargoservice is committed to providing valuable updates to our customers. We will continue to monitor the situation, and send out updates as they become available.

Give us a call or email today to see how we can assist.