Effective October 1, 2026

Have your valid government ID ready for U.S. account setup

Since October 1, 2026, BorderBuddy requires a valid government-issued ID, tax number document and proof of business address to set up a U.S. importer account. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now voids importer numbers with unverified details, and this keeps yours active.

What changed

Why are we asking for this?

Since September 18, 2026, CBP has been checking the importer information on file (CBP Form 5106) and immediately voiding importer numbers when the information is inaccurate or incomplete. A voided number can’t be used for anything, including clearing your shipments.

CBP also expects customs brokers to verify your details before filing them. Checking your ID and address up front means your importer number is accepted the first time and your goods don’t get held at the border.

What CBP now requires

The EIN or SSN on file belongs directly to the importer.

Use your business location, or your home if you import personally.

The email and phone are yours, not a broker’s or forwarder’s.

Your broker holds a power of attorney signed directly with you.

Checklist

What you’ll need

Government photo ID

A valid, unexpired driver’s license or passport for the person signing the power of attorney.

EIN confirmation letter

IRS letter CP 575 or 147C. Importing personally? Use your SSN instead.

Proof of physical address

A recent utility bill, lease, bank statement or government letter showing your business name and address.

Your own email and phone

CBP sends notices, including voiding notices, to the email on your record.

Addresses

Which addresses CBP accepts

Accepted

Where your business actually operates

Your home, if you run the business from home or import personally

Not accepted

P.O. boxes (fine as a mailing address only)

Registered agent addresses

Mail or business service centers

A broker’s, forwarder’s or anyone else’s address

Make it match

The business name and address on your documents should match exactly what you enter. Mismatches are the top reason a file is held for review.

Process

How to submit

Start import setup

Begin online and choose the U.S. as your import country.

Upload your documents

Upload your valid government-issued photo ID, tax number document and proof of address when prompted. A phone photo is fine if every corner and detail is readable.

We review and confirm

Our team reviews your documents and confirms by email, usually before your first shipment needs to clear.

FAQ

Common questions

My business uses a P.O. box or virtual office. Can I still import?

Yes. You can keep the P.O. box as your mailing address, but CBP also needs the physical address where your business operates. If you run the business from home, your home address is acceptable.

I use a registered agent for my LLC. Can I use that address?

No. CBP specifically excludes registered agent addresses. Use the address where the business actually operates.

I already have a U.S. importer number. Does this affect me?

CBP is reviewing importer records already on file, not only new ones. If we need anything from you to keep your record current, we'll contact you directly.

Can you use your own address or email to speed things up?

No. CBP requires the email, phone and address on your importer record to belong to you, and brokers who submit third-party details face penalties. It also means CBP's notices reach you directly.

What happens if CBP voids my importer number?

CBP emails the address on file with the reason and how to request reinstatement, and may copy your broker. Until it is reinstated, the number can't be used to clear shipments. We'll help you through it.

Is my information safe?

Your documents are used only to verify your importer record and set up your account. They are stored securely with access restricted to the team handling your account.

Our team can walk you through it.

Not sure what to send or whether your documents match? Call or email us and we’ll check before you submit.

Email us: help@getborderbuddy.ca

Call us: +1 (877) 409-8163