Tuesday, 02 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #598 Customs/CBP Form 5106 to Update Importer Information with CBP

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Customs/CBP Form 5106 to Update Importer Information with CBP

Especially with the recent requirement that all CBP refunds are processed electronically to Importers, combined with the IEEPA tariff refunds all going through CAPE, and an Importer having a valid updated ACE account being a requirement before accessing CAPE, the CBP form 5106 is being requested and required often now.

CBP requires they have an Importer’s most updated information for name, address, email, phone, etc.
Customs Brokers help an importer provide this information to CBP.
But the importer still needs to complete the 5106, to provide to their Customs Broker.

https://www.cbp.gov/document/forms/cbp-form-5106-createupdate-importer-identity-form

CBP Form 5106 – Create/Update Importer Identity Form

(*The OMB Date is expired, however this form is still valid for use and is under review by OMB awaiting a new expiration date.)

CBP Form 5106, also known as the Importer Identity Form, is used to collect and maintain essential identification information for individuals and businesses involved in importing goods into the United States.

This form serves several critical purposes: it establishes or updates an importer’s identity within CBP’s systems, assigns a unique importer number (often linked to an IRS Employer Identification Number, Social Security Number, or a CBP-assigned ID), and is a prerequisite for becoming an Importer of Record.

CBP Form 5106

A couple additional notes:

The version of the form available on CBP’s site, above, shows as expired. But at this time, this form is still the version to use.
ONLY the data elements with a red asterisk * are required.
Below is additional information to aid in completing the 5106:

Determine Your Type of Action – mark all that apply – change of name, change of address/information or change of EIN

If you are changing your name or address and have an active bond with CBP, you might need to submit additional documents, as bonds need to match importer name and address

Provide Name and Identification Information

Full Legal Name (1A): Enter the full legal name of the company or individual requesting service.
Tax ID or SSN (1B): Enter IRS Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number. If you don’t have one, check “requesting a CBP-assigned number”
Division/AKA/DBA (1C-1D): If your business is a division of another company, known by another name, or operates under a different name (DBA), fill this out. If so, provide the parent company’s details here.
Request a CBP Number (1E): If you don’t have a tax ID or SSN and need a CBP-assigned number, fill this out. Also, complete block 3J with your title, name, and SSN.
CBP-Assigned Number (1F): If you already have a CBP-assigned number and are making a change, enter it here.
Type of Company (1G): Select the option that best describes your company structure (e.g., Corporation, LLC).
Estimated Imports (1H): Provide an estimate of the number of entries your company will import into the U.S. in one year.
Role (1I): Check the boxes that describe how your company’s name and identification number will be used (e.g., Importer of Record, Carrier, etc.).
CBP Partnership Programs (1J-1M): If your company participates in CBP Partnership Programs (like C-TPAT or ISA), provide the program codes here.
Your Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Number

Company Address Information

Mailing Address (2A): Fill in importer mailing address. This is where you want correspondence sent. This includes:
Street Address: Street number or P.O. Box.
City, State/Province, Zip Code: Provide the city, state/province, and postal code.
Country ISO Code: Only required for foreign addresses.
Physical Location (2B): If your business address is different from your mailing address, enter it here. This cannot be a P.O. Box.
Contact Information (2C-2F): Provide your phone number, fax number, email address, and website (if applicable). This would be the section that will update CBP if an email change/update needs to be made.

Section 3, COMPANY INFORMATION – In most cases, the data elements in this section are optional. However, if the “I have a SSN, but wish to use a CBP-assigned number on all my entry documents” option was selected in Block 1E, you must provide your Company Position Title, Name, and SSN in Block 3J.

In some cases, Importers are able to NOT complete 3A through 3J, BUT, in some cases, CBP will come back and say this information is required.

Detailed Company Information

Business Description (3A): Write a brief description of what your business does.
NAICS Code (3B): If you know your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, provide it here. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code
Dun & Bradstreet Number (3C): If available, provide your Dun & Bradstreet Number. Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Number
Filer Code (3D): If you are a self-filer or broker using your own filer code, enter it here.
Year Established (3E): Indicate the year your company was established.
Related Businesses (3F): List the names and identification numbers of any related businesses.
Banking Information (3G): Provide the primary banking information for your company.
Articles of Incorporation (3H-3I): Provide the state or country where your business is incorporated and the unique identifying number of your certificate or articles of incorporation.
Company Officers (3J): List the beneficial owners or company officers with importing and financial knowledge of the company. Include their SSN or passport information if you selected a CBP-assigned number in 1E.

Certification – complete and sign

Return the completed 5106 to your Customs Broker and they will submit the information to CBP.