Source: Supply Chain Dive
Date: 11th September 2026 

Importers of Record risk having their IOR numbers immediately voided if information submitted to U.S. Customs is inaccurate or incomplete, making importer-data accuracy increasingly important for companies shipping goods into the United States.

U.S. importers face stricter customs enforcement from September 18, 2026, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) begins enhanced reviews of Importer of Record information.

Under the new enforcement procedures, CBP can immediately void an Importer of Record (IOR) number if information provided on CBP Form 5106 is found to be inaccurate or incomplete. A voided IOR number becomes invalid for customs purposes, including entering imported merchandise into the United States. CBP may also take additional enforcement action where appropriate.

The change makes accurate importer information a more immediate operational requirement for businesses trading with the U.S.

CBP reviewing existing importer records. The enforcement is not limited to companies registering as new importers.

CBP says it is comprehensively reviewing existing Form 5106 information to verify the identity and details of Importers of Record.

Information subject to review includes the importer’s name, tax identification details, mailing and physical addresses, telephone number and email address. CBP requires this information to be accurate, complete and directly associated with the Importer of Record.

This means even relatively basic company information should be checked carefully. Changes to an office address, telephone number, email address or corporate details that have not been properly reflected in customs records could potentially create compliance problems.

Importers remain responsible when using a customs broker. An important part of the new enforcement approach is that responsibility ultimately remains with the Importer of Record.

Customs brokers may submit Form 5106 information on behalf of their clients, but the information must still be accurate and complete. Brokers submitting the form must also hold a valid Power of Attorney directly from the importer.

Importers should therefore not assume that using a customs broker removes their responsibility for maintaining accurate information with CBP.

If an IOR number is voided, CBP will notify the affected importer in writing and provide instructions for requesting re-establishment of the number.

What This Means

• Companies importing into the U.S. should use the period before September 18 to review their Importer of Record information and confirm that records submitted to CBP are complete and current.
• Particular attention should be given to company names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses and tax identification information.
• Businesses should also ensure that internal teams and customs brokers are working from the same current company information.
• A voided IOR number could interrupt the ability to make new import entries until the issue is resolved, potentially affecting customs clearance and cargo flows.

The latest measure demonstrates that U.S. customs compliance increasingly extends beyond traditional areas such as tariff classification, valuation and country of origin.

Accurate importer identity and corporate information are becoming equally important components of customs compliance.

For importers, the practical message is straightforward: do not wait for a shipment to encounter a customs problem before checking whether your importer records are accurate.

With enhanced enforcement beginning September 18, companies shipping into the U.S. should proactively review their records and maintain close coordination with their customs and logistics partners to minimise the risk of avoidable clearance disruption.