U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced it will tighten checks on Importer of Record (IOR) data submitted via CBP Form 5106. From September 18, 2026, CBP may invalidate an IOR number if the associated data is incomplete or incorrect. An invalidated IOR number cannot be used to import goods into the United States until the information is corrected and the number is reactivated.
Key points:
- The tighter checks begin on September 18, 2026.
- CBP will review both new and existing Importers of Record.
- All data must be complete and accurate and directly relate to the IOR.
- CBP will check, among other things, physical and mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and EIN numbers.
- If information is incorrect or missing, CBP can immediately invalidate the IOR number.
- Customs brokers submitting Form 5106 on behalf of an importer must hold a valid Power of Attorney (POA) directly with the IOR.
What this means for importers
An active IOR number is required to import goods into the United States. If a number is invalidated, the importer will not be able to clear goods until the data has been corrected and the IOR number reactivated.
Importers should therefore review and, if necessary, update their data with CBP now to avoid discovering a problem only when a shipment is en route or about to arrive in the United States.
