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As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen customs enforcement and protect the integrity of importer records, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasing its verification of Importer of Record (IOR) information.
Because of these enhanced requirements, Willson International can no longer submit or update importer information based on incomplete, outdated, or unverified data. Maintaining accurate importer information is essential to avoiding customs delays, compliance issues, and potential disruptions to your ability to import goods into the United States.
Why This Matters
Your Importer of Record profile serves as the foundation for customs processing. When information on file with CBP is inaccurate or incomplete, it can lead to shipment delays, additional CBP scrutiny, and in some cases, the deactivation of importer identification records.
Importers are responsible for ensuring that the information maintained with CBP is accurate, current, and supported by appropriate documentation. CBP’s database does not separate 5106 data, meaning that IOR data is being treated equally to your customer or ultimate consignee date.
Information You Should Review
We recommend verifying the following details to ensure your records are up to date:
- Legal importer name
- Mailing address
- Physical business address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted)
- Primary contact name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- IRS Number / Importer Number
Additional Recommendation for Foreign IORs That Are Located Outside the United States
We also recommend reviewing your customer and ultimate consignee records to ensure their information is current and accurate. Inaccurate customer or ultimate consignee data will result in delays, holds, turnarounds or potentially CBP enforcement measures.
Recommended Next Steps
To help maintain compliance and minimize the risk of import disruptions, consider the following actions:
- Create or maintain an active ACE Portal account
- Review your CBP Form 5106 and update it if any information has changed
- If you do not have an ACE Portal account, submit an updated Form 5106 directly to the appropriate CBP Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE)
- Enroll in ACH for duty and fee payments, if not already enrolled
- Consider participating in CBP’s Importer Identity Freeze Program to help protect your importer information from unauthorized changes
Upcoming CBP Enforcement Activities
CBP has announced enhanced verification measures for Importer of Record data. Beginning September 18, 2026, CBP may invalidate importer records that contain inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information.
To avoid potential interruptions to your import activity, we strongly encourage you to review your importer profile now and address any discrepancies before they affect future customs transactions.
Please note that under these new enforcement requirements, Willson International cannot submit Form 5106 updates on your behalf until the required importer information has been verified and validated.
Helpful Resources
Key Takeaway
Think of your CBP Form 5106 as more than just an administrative requirement. It is a critical element of your import compliance program. Taking a few minutes to verify and update your importer information today can help prevent shipment delays, reduce compliance risk, and ensure your imports continue to move across the border without interruption.
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