Breaking

CBP's Importer Enforcement Crackdown Threatens Supply Chain Disruptions

Customs and Border Protection launched an enforcement crackdown Friday targeting importers with incomplete or inaccurate registration information. The agency is voiding importer-of-record numbers that can no longer be used for any U.S. entry purpose.

The crackdown stems from CBP's comprehensive review of Form 5106 data used to establish importer identities. The agency voids IOR numbers when importers or their customs brokers fail to provide complete and accurate information, with potential for additional enforcement action.

Foreign companies face heightened exposure, particularly nonresident importers using customs broker addresses, foreign sellers in delivered-duty-paid transactions, e-commerce sellers relying on third-party fulfillment centers and smaller importers with outdated records.

The timing poses operational risks—importers may discover voided numbers only after shipments enter the supply chain. CBP notifies affected parties via email, but the lag could leave cargo stranded at ports of entry and disrupt operations across brokers, freight forwarders and warehouses.