Yes, you must file CBP Form 5106 with U.S. Customs before importing with FedEx if you’re a first-time importer or if your information has changed.
Filing this form creates or updates your Importer of Record profile so customs can recognize you. According to a 2022 National Small Business Association survey, nearly 30% of small businesses reported customs paperwork as a major hurdle in global trade. This one-time form might seem daunting, but it’s crucial for avoiding FedEx® customs delays and unexpected returns of your valuable shipments. It’s time to demystify Form 5106 so you can import confidently and keep your business running smoothly.
What You’ll Learn:
- 📦 When Form 5106 is required – Know if your FedEx shipment triggers this customs form
- ✍️ Step-by-step form guidance – Complete each part of Form 5106 easily and accurately
- 🏢 Individuals vs. businesses – Learn how eCommerce sellers, personal importers, and companies each should file
- ⚖️ Rules and nuances – Understand federal requirements, new trade changes, and any state-related considerations
- ✅ Avoiding mistakes – Tips to prevent common errors that cause clearance delays
What Is CBP Form 5106 and Why Do You Need It?
CBP Form 5106 is the “Create/Update Importer Identity Form” used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify importers in their system. It assigns you an Importer Number (often your business’s EIN or your personal SSN) or updates your existing importer account. In plain terms, it’s like creating a customer profile with customs – who you are, where you’re located, and how to contact you. FedEx and other carriers require it because U.S. Customs (federal law) mandates that every importer of record is on file before certain shipments are cleared.
Who needs to file? Typically, first-time importers and anyone whose info has changed (like a new address or company name) must submit Form 5106. This applies to both U.S. individuals and business owners importing goods. For example, if you’ve never imported with FedEx or haven’t imported in years, customs will have no active record for you – filing 5106 is required to set you up as an importer. Likewise, if your company moved or you got an EIN since your last import, updating via 5106 is necessary. Even if you’ve imported via another carrier (UPS, DHL, etc.), FedEx may ask for a new form to ensure CBP’s records are current.
Why is it needed? U.S. Customs uses the information on Form 5106 to screen shipments and collect duties properly. Without your importer record on file, FedEx cannot clear your package – they’ll reach out for this form. It’s especially critical for formal entries: shipments above certain value thresholds or subject to tariffs. Historically, imports over $2,500 in value require formal customs entry and an importer ID. Smaller shipments under $800 often cleared under the de minimis rule without extensive paperwork.
However, recent trade changes have tightened requirements: as of 2025, low-value shipments from China or Hong Kong no longer enjoy the $800 exemption. Even packages over $250 from those origins may trigger a formal entry, meaning yes – you’ll need Form 5106 on file. In fact, the U.S. is phasing out the de minimis threshold for all countries, so more importers than ever must file 5106 even for modest shipments. If you sell on platforms like Amazon or Shopify and bring inventory from overseas, expect that Customs will insist on this form to identify your business.
Bottom line: Don’t skip Form 5106. It’s a one-time registration (with updates as needed) that grants you an importer account with CBP. By filing it proactively, you prevent FedEx customs holds, return-to-sender nightmares, and costly delivery delays. In the next sections, we’ll walk through filling it out step by step, clarify key terms, and share tips so you can breeze through customs compliance.
When Exactly Must You File Form 5106?
Timing is everything. You should file CBP Form 5106 before or at the time of your first qualifying FedEx shipment. FedEx will usually notify you when it’s needed. Here’s when Form 5106 is required:
- First-Time Importers: If you have never imported into the U.S. under your name or business, you must file Form 5106. Without it, customs has no record of you – a non-starter for clearance. FedEx will often email you (sometimes via a DocuSign link) as soon as your first international package is in transit, prompting you to submit Form 5106.
- Information Changes: If you’ve imported before but any key detail has changed, file an updated Form 5106. For example, business owners should refile if you changed your company’s name, address, or tax ID (EIN). Individuals should update if you’ve moved or legally changed your name. CBP ties your importer record to these details, so keeping them current avoids confusion. FedEx or your customs broker might flag shipments if the information on file doesn’t match your shipping paperwork.
- High-Value Shipments: Any shipment valued over $2,500 (the formal entry threshold) requires an importer of record. If you normally import small parcels but suddenly bring in a larger shipment, you’ll need a Form 5106 if not already on file. FedEx will hold such shipments until the importer registration is sorted out.
- Certain Origins or Tariff Situations: As noted, shipments from China/Hong Kong now effectively require formal entry paperwork (including Form 5106) even at low values, due to eliminated exemptions and new tariffs. Similarly, if your goods fall under special trade programs or quotas where CBP demands importer registration, you’d need to file. These scenarios are less common for everyday importers, but eCommerce sellers sourcing from Asia should take note of the China rule in 2025.
- Inactive Importers: If you haven’t imported in over a year or more, CBP might have inactivated your Importer Number. In practice, an importer account can go “dormant.” When you resume importing (say after a long pause), be prepared to submit a new 5106 to reactivate your record. This ensures a smooth restart with FedEx and CBP recognizing you again.
FedEx typically gives you a short window to comply – often 5 business days from when they contact you – to return the completed form. Do it as soon as possible. If you miss that window, FedEx may be forced to return your shipment to the sender or move it to a bonded warehouse, which is a major headache. Fortunately, filling out the form is straightforward with the right guidance. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can tackle Form 5106 confidently.
How to Fill Out CBP Form 5106 (Step by Step)
Filling out Form 5106 for a FedEx shipment is easier if you break it down into sections. Before you begin, download the latest CBP Form 5106 (PDF) from the official CBP website or use the DocuSign form FedEx sends you. Have your important details on hand: personal or business name, address, contact info, and tax ID (SSN or EIN). If you’re a business owner, grab your EIN and any company registration info; if you’re an individual importer, have your SSN ready. Then follow these steps:
- Start with the Basics (Type of Action): At the top of the form, indicate why you’re filing. Check “Notification of importer number” if this is your first time registering (new importer). If you’re updating information, check the appropriate box like “Change of name” or “Change of address.” This tells CBP whether to create a new record or modify your existing one. If you have an importer number but are just updating, enter your current CBP Importer Number in the space provided. First-timers can leave the importer number field blank – CBP will assign one after processing.
- Section 1 – Importer Identification: This section establishes who the importer is and their identification numbers. Fill it out as follows:
- 1A: Importer Name – For a business, enter your full legal company name as registered (e.g., ABC Trading LLC). For an individual, use your full name (first, middle, last) exactly as it appears on official documents. Consistency is key – the name here should match what’s on shipping paperwork and tax records.
- 1B: IRS/SSN – Select the ID type and enter the number. U.S. businesses should choose Employer Identification Number (EIN) and fill in your nine-digit EIN issued by the IRS. Individuals or sole proprietors should select Social Security Number (SSN) and write your SSN. This EIN or SSN usually becomes your Importer of Record number in CBP’s system. If you have neither (for instance, you’re a foreign national or a U.S. entity without an EIN yet), leave 1B blank and you’ll address ID by requesting a CBP number in 1E. Tip: If you do have an EIN or SSN, do not request a CBP-assigned number – your existing tax ID serves as your importer ID.
- 1C and 1D: Division/AKA/DBA – These fields are only if applicable. 1C is a checkbox to indicate if your business is a division of another company, has an “Also Known As” name, or “Doing Business As” name. If, say, your LLC operates under a trade name, check the appropriate box and list that alternate name. 1D is used to specify the actual alternate name if 1C was used. Example: If XYZ Corp is doing business as Best Gadgets USA, you’d mark DBA in 1C and write Best Gadgets USA in 1D. Most first-time importers without multiple names can skip 1C/1D.
- 1E: Request for CBP-Assigned Number – Only fill this if you have no U.S. tax ID or you explicitly want a CBP number instead of using your SSN. Check the box in 1E if you need CBP to assign you an importer number. This is common for foreign importers with no SSN/EIN, or rare cases like a U.S. individual who refuses to use their SSN and opts for a CBP number (note: even then, you must provide your SSN in Section 3 for verification). If you check 1E, also tick the reason(s) below it that apply (e.g., “No IRS number” or “Not a U.S. resident”). Important: If you entered an EIN or SSN in 1B, do not check 1E – CBP will not issue a number because your EIN/SSN will be used as the ID.
- 1F: CBP-Assigned Number – Leave this blank unless you already have a CBP-assigned importer number from a prior registration (or if you requested one earlier and are now updating something else). It’s basically asking “if we already gave you a special CBP number, what is it?” If you’re a new importer or using your EIN/SSN, 1F is not needed.
- 1G: Type of Company – Indicate your legal entity type by checking the appropriate box. Options include Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, Individual, U.S. Government, State/Local Government, Foreign Government, etc. For a typical small business:
- LLC owners: Check “Partnership” if your LLC is taxed as partnership, or “Corporation” if taxed as a corporation – but note, the form clarifies an LLC is not literally a corporation. In practice, many filers simply mark LLC if that option exists separately. If the form only lists LLC in text, use that.
- Sole proprietors or individuals not operating under a company: select “Individual” (this covers personal importers or one-person businesses using their own name).
- If none of the categories fit, choose the closest or “Other” if provided and specify (rarely needed).
- 1H: Planned Number of Entries per Year – Estimate how many shipments (customs entries) you expect to import annually. The form offers ranges (e.g., 1-4 per year, 5-24 per year, 25+ per year, or maybe “infrequent personal shipments”). Pick the range that best fits your situation. This helps CBP gauge your volume – it’s not a binding commitment, just an estimate. Example: An eCommerce seller regularly importing might choose “5-24 per year” or higher, whereas an individual buying occasionally from abroad might tick “1-4 per year.”
- 1I: Intended Use of Importer Number – Check all that apply for how you will use this identification number. Common choices: Importer of Record (if you are the party responsible for imports) and Consignee/Ultimate Consignee (if you’re often the delivery recipient on shipments). You might also see options like Drawback claimant, Refunds/Bills or Other. Most individuals and businesses will at least check Importer of Record, since that’s what you are when bringing in goods. If you are simply the receiver of goods but not paying duties (consignee), include that too. “Other” is if you have a role not listed (for instance, a freight forwarder might write “Deliver-to Party”). If unsure, checking Importer is safe – you can add others if relevant.
- 1J – 1M: CBP Program Codes (Optional) – These fields apply only if you participate in specific CBP partnership programs (like CTPAT for supply chain security or ISA for self-assessment). If you are in such programs, you’d list the code (e.g., CTPAT) in one of these boxes, which then exempts you from filling Section 3 on this form. Most readers can leave 1J–1M blank. They’re not applicable unless you’ve formally joined a CBP program – something you’d know if you did.
- Section 2 – Address Information: Here you provide your mailing and physical address, plus contact details. It’s straightforward but must be filled out completely for your form to be accepted:
- 2A (Mailing Address): Enter the address where you receive mail for the business or individual named in Section 1. This includes Street Address 1, Street Address 2 (for any suite/apartment number, etc.), City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code, and Country. Use a U.S. address if you have one (businesses should use the address on official documents or as registered in your state). If you use a PO Box for mail, you can put that in Street 1, but you then must provide a physical location in 2B.
- Residence vs. Business Indicator: The form will ask what type of location 2A is. You’ll see options to check: Residence, Corporate Office, Retail Location, Office Building, Warehouse, Business Service Center, Post Office Box, or Other. Mark the one that fits your mailing address. For example, if you listed your home address, check Residence. If it’s your company’s main office, Corporate Office or Office Building might apply. PO Box is only if you actually used a PO Box above. This detail helps CBP understand the nature of the address (a physical place vs a mailbox).
- 2B (Physical Location Address): Only fill this if it’s different from 2A. If your mailing address in 2A is a PO Box or a forwarding service, CBP requires a real bricks-and-mortar location here. Provide the street address where the importer is actually located (cannot be a PO Box). If 2A was your home or office already, you can either repeat it or write “Same as mailing” if the form allows, but generally leaving 2B blank implies mailing and physical are identical. Just don’t forget: if 2A was a PO Box, you must put a physical street address in 2B to avoid rejection.
- 2C/2D/2E – Contact Info: Fill in your Phone Number (with area code) at 2C. 2D is Fax number – this is optional, and many modern small businesses or individuals may not have one; you can leave it blank or write “None.” 2E is Email Address – provide a current email where you can be reached regarding imports. CBP or FedEx might use this to contact you if needed (though formal communication is usually via mail, it’s still good to have on record). Make sure it’s an email you check often, especially if you’re actively importing.
- 2F – Company Website: If you’re a business with a website, list the URL here (optional but helps CBP understand your business). For individuals without a company site, you can leave it blank. For eCommerce sellers, your website or even your Amazon/Shopify store URL can be included to give context to customs about what you do.
- Section 3 – Company Information (Optional for Most): This section collects additional business details and personal data for company officers, mainly to give CBP a deeper profile of larger importers. The good news: If you’re a typical importer and not part of special CBP programs, most of Section 3 is optional. In fact, small U.S. businesses with an EIN or individuals with an SSN can skip Section 3 entirely in many cases. CBP doesn’t require all this info for routine importer registration. However, let’s briefly cover what’s here and when you might need it:
- 3A – Brief Business Description: A short phrase about what your business does (e.g., “Retailer – electronics and accessories”). If you’re an individual, you can skip this or say “Personal imports” as a description. This is optional, but providing it can be helpful if your activities might raise questions.
- 3B – NAICS Code: The North American Industry Classification System code for your business, if known. An eCommerce retailer might use the NAICS for retail trade, for instance. This is optional; many small businesses won’t know their NAICS offhand – you can leave it blank or look it up if you want to be thorough.
- 3C – DUNS Number: If your company has a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number (a unique business identifier often used in credit reports), you can provide it. Most small firms or individuals don’t have one, so this is usually blank.
- 3D – Filer Code (for Brokers/Self-Filers): This only applies if you are a customs broker or filing your own entries directly via CBP systems. It asks for the code you use to file entries (often a 3-character code for brokers). If you’re using FedEx’s brokerage services and not self-filing entries, ignore 3D. It’s not for importers who simply use a third-party broker.
- 3E – Year Established: For businesses, you can enter the year your company was founded. Optional but straightforward if you choose to fill it. Individuals importing personally can ignore this.
- 3F – Related Business Entities: If you (or your officers) have ever had other import businesses or prior Importer IDs, you could list those names and numbers here. For example, if you previously imported under a different company or your company was formerly under another name/ownership, CBP likes to know. This is to identify any linkages between importers (to catch folks who shut down one company and start another to avoid issues, etc.). Most first-timers will have nothing to list, so you can leave 3F blank.
- 3G – Primary Banking Institution: Name of your main bank, city, and state. Large importers often provide this as a reference (it was mandatory in older versions of the form). It’s optional now, but including your bank (e.g., “Bank of America, New York, NY”) can signal you’re an established business. Individuals can skip it if uncomfortable – it’s rarely used unless CBP is vetting a new importer for big transactions.
- 3H & 3I – Business Incorporation Details: 3H asks for the state (or country) where you incorporated or registered your business, along with the formation type (e.g., LLC in Delaware, or sole proprietorship in Texas, etc.). It might ask for a 2-letter state code if U.S. For foreign entities, provide country code. 3I then is the registration number or document reference for your incorporation (like the charter number or LLC registration number you got from the state). If you have those handy, you can fill them; if not, it’s generally okay to leave blank for small operations – CBP doesn’t strictly require it unless they need to verify a complex corporate structure.
- 3J – Company Officers / Personal Details: This is the most involved part of Section 3. Here, the form provides space to list one or two key individuals affiliated with the importing entity (typically an owner, partner, or officer of the company, or the individual importer themselves). For each person, they ask for: Position/Title, Name, Direct Phone, Email, Social Security Number, and in some cases Passport details (passport number, country, expiration) if applicable. The intent is to have a responsible party on file. When must you fill 3J? Usually only if you checked that you want a CBP-assigned number instead of using an SSN. In that case (per instructions), you must give your SSN and personal info here to justify issuing a number. Otherwise, CBP doesn’t require officer info for routine importers with an EIN/SSN on file. If you’re a small business owner and want to be thorough, you could list yourself as the company officer: e.g., Owner – John Doe – (contact info) – SSN. But it’s optional if you’ve already provided an EIN or SSN in Section 1. Note: Any officers listed should be people with legal authority and knowledge of the company’s import activities (often the owner or CFO).
- Section 4 – Certification: This is the final section where you sign and date the form, affirming everything is correct. Here’s what to do:
- Your Name and Title: If you’re an individual importer, you can simply print your name. If you’re signing on behalf of a business, include your company title (e.g., Owner, President, Import Manager) along with your printed name. This goes in the box usually labeled “Name/Company Title”. It shows in what capacity you’re signing (individual vs company officer).
- Signature: Sign the form. If submitting electronically through DocuSign (as FedEx often provides), your digital signature is applied here. If you printed and filled out the form, you’ll sign by hand. The signature must be from the importer or an authorized agent. For small businesses, that’s typically the owner or an employee empowered to handle imports. (If a customs broker fills the form for you, they might have you sign a power of attorney and the broker could sign – but for FedEx shipments, you usually sign yourself.)
- Date: Fill in the date you signed, in MM/DD/YYYY format. Make sure it’s current and ideally the same day or just before you send it to FedEx/CBP.
- Telephone Number: Provide your direct phone number in the space for “Telephone Number” next to your signature. This is a contact for the person signing (often the same as the one in Section 2C, but included again for the signee).
- Broker Name and Address (if applicable): Some versions of the form include a field for Broker/Filer Name, Address and a box for broker code or reference. If you are submitting the form yourself, you can leave any broker fields blank or write “FedEx” if they instruct you to. In many cases, FedEx (or their brokerage division) will fill in their broker info when they forward the form to Customs. You as the importer generally don’t need to worry about this field except to know it exists. If you hired an external customs broker, that broker might complete this part.
- Submitting the Form: For FedEx shipments, you’ll typically submit Form 5106 through the channel they request. Often, FedEx will email you a DocuSign link where you fill and sign the form digitally – in that case, just complete it online and hit finish, and FedEx’s systems will receive it automatically. If FedEx asks you to email the form, follow their instructions precisely: usually, they’ll provide an email address (like paperwork@fedex.com) and require you to attach the PDF and leave the email body blank with only the tracking number in the subject. This automated processing ensures your form is logged quickly. Always double-check the email instructions, as a wrong subject line or extra text can delay processing. If you proactively want to file Form 5106 before a shipment, you have a couple of options:
- Email to CBP directly: You can email the signed 5106 to CBP’s designated address for new importer records (for example, CBP has used an address like cbp.bondquestions@dhs.gov with a subject “New Importer – [Your EIN]”). CBP will input your information in about 2 business days typically. This route is often used by importers working with a customhouse broker.
- Through ACE Portal or Broker: If you have an account on CBP’s ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) portal, you or your broker can input the data electronically. Many customs brokers submit 5106 info via their system instantly. FedEx’s brokerage team likely does this on the back end once they receive your form, which is why using their process is convenient.
| Scenario | Form 5106 Filing Approach |
|---|---|
| First-Time eCommerce Importer: A home-based seller in California orders $5,000 of boutique clothing from Italy via FedEx. They’ve never imported before. | They must file Form 5106 to register as a new importer. The owner uses their LLC’s EIN and business address on the form. FedEx emails a DocuSign; they fill it out and sign. CBP assigns their EIN as the importer number, allowing the shipment to clear customs and be delivered. Going forward, their EIN is on file, so future imports with FedEx will skip this step. |
| Personal Purchase Above Threshold: An individual buys a vintage watch for $3,000 from a seller in Hong Kong. FedEx is handling the shipment. The buyer is a private individual, not a business. | Because the value is over $2,500 (formal entry) and the origin is Hong Kong (no de minimis exemption), a Form 5106 is required. FedEx asks the recipient to complete the form. The individual checks “Notification of number” (first import), fills their name and SSN, and lists their home as the mailing address (checking “Residence”). They sign and return the form. CBP creates an importer record tied to their SSN. The watch clears customs after a short delay and is delivered, with duties billed to the recipient. |
| Existing Importer, Information Change: A small electronics importer in New York has an importer number from past shipments. They recently moved their warehouse from New York to New Jersey and updated their state business registration. | Before their next FedEx shipment arrives, they file an updated Form 5106. They check “Change of address” at the top, use their same Importer Number (EIN) in Section 1, and enter the new NJ address in Section 2. They sign as president of the company. This update ensures CBP records now reflect the New Jersey location. When FedEx processes their incoming shipment, customs sees the correct address tied to their EIN – avoiding any confusion or holds due to mismatched information. The package clears without issue. |
These examples show how Form 5106 fits into different import situations. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or just treating yourself with an overseas purchase, the form is your friend to get through U.S. customs smoothly.
Pros and Cons of Filing Form 5106
Filing CBP Form 5106 is a necessary step for many importers, but it’s worth understanding its advantages and a few minor drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth Customs Clearance: Establishes your importer identity, preventing unexpected shipment holds. FedEx can clear your goods faster when CBP recognizes your details. | Additional Paperwork: It’s an extra form to fill out, which can feel bureaucratic. Taking the time to complete it (and correctly) is an added task for busy importers. |
| One-Time Registration: You file it once and reuse it for future imports (until info changes). This is not a recurring requirement for every shipment, saving effort in the long run. | Disclosure of Personal Info: You must provide sensitive details like SSN or EIN, and other personal or business info. Some may be uncomfortable sharing these, although it’s submitted securely to the government. |
| Avoids Third-Party Importers: With your own importer number, you don’t need a broker or another party to act as Importer of Record. This keeps you in control of your imports and avoids fees for using someone else’s ID. | Potential for Errors: Mistakes on the form (typos, missing fields) can delay clearance. For new importers unfamiliar with the form, it’s easy to slip up if not careful, causing back-and-forth with FedEx/CBP. |
| Compliance with Law: Keeps you compliant with U.S. import regulations and ready for any future expansion (e.g., importing more frequently or from new suppliers). Having an importer account is essentially mandatory for doing business internationally. | Updates Required When Changes Happen: You’ll need to remember to update CBP via a new 5106 if you move or your business info changes. Forgetting to update can cause issues down the line (though this is occasional, not a frequent burden). |
Federal Requirements vs. State Nuances
Form 5106 is mandated by federal law, so it applies uniformly across all U.S. states and territories. U.S. Customs (a federal agency) enforces the requirement at the national level. This means whether you’re in New York or Nebraska, the rules for Form 5106 filing are the same. There is no separate state customs form or state-by-state version of 5106 – it’s one standard form for the entire country.
That said, your state of residence or business registration can matter indirectly in a few ways:
- Business Entity Details: When filling Section 3 (if you choose to), you might reference your state incorporation (e.g., a Delaware corporation or a Florida LLC). Ensure you use the official state where your company is registered, and the exact legal name as on state records. This consistency helps if CBP ever verifies your business against state databases.
- Address and Tax IDs: Use your physical address from your state, and your federal tax ID (EIN/SSN) on the form. Don’t confuse state tax identification numbers or sales tax permit numbers with what CBP needs. For example, a California seller might have a state reseller’s permit number – that is not used on Form 5106. CBP only cares about national identifiers like SSN, EIN, or a CBP-issued number.
- State Business Licenses vs. Importer Registration: Filing Form 5106 doesn’t replace any state or local licenses you might need for your business. It’s purely for federal customs purposes. Conversely, having a state business license doesn’t exempt you from filing 5106. Think of it as parallel requirements: state authorities handle your business licensing and taxes, while CBP handles import compliance.
- Import Taxes and Duties (State vs. Federal): Customs duties are federal. Once your goods clear customs, some states might impose use tax or specific regulations (for instance, importing alcohol might involve state liquor authority rules, or California might have environmental fees for certain electronics). Those are separate from Form 5106. Just be aware that after the federal import process, you should comply with any state laws for the product, but no state has additional paperwork to bring goods through customs beyond what CBP requires.
- U.S. Territories: If you’re in Puerto Rico, Guam, or other U.S. territories, customs procedures can differ slightly. However, Form 5106 is still used as the importer registration for those jurisdictions when receiving international shipments. Territories might have their own tax IDs or handling (e.g., Puerto Rico has import rules administered by CBP as well), but the 5106 remains a federal form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Form 5106
Filing Form 5106 is not overly complicated, but there are some pitfalls first-timers often encounter. Avoid these common mistakes to prevent delays:
- Leaving Required Fields Blank: Missing information is the #1 error. Be sure every field with an asterisk (*) is filled in. Don’t skip items like phone number, zip code, or checking the proper boxes in Section 1. An incomplete form will be sent back for correction, costing you time.
- Using an EIN and Also Checking Box 1E: If you provide an EIN or SSN, do not tick the “request CBP-assigned number” box (1E). That box is only for those without U.S. tax IDs. A surprising number of filers mistakenly check it thinking they need a separate number – this confuses matters because CBP then expects you to be a foreign entity and provide extra info. Remember: your EIN or SSN becomes your importer number automatically.
- Name Mismatch or Typos: The name in Section 1 must exactly match the name associated with your EIN/SSN. For businesses, use the legal business name (including any LLC, Inc, etc.). For individuals, ensure the spelling of your name is correct and consistent with your passport or ID. Even a minor typo (one letter off) could create a new record or cause a discrepancy. Double-check spelling, and if your business has a comma or period in its official name, include it.
- Incorrect Address Format: Not providing a physical address when required is a frequent issue. If you listed a PO Box in mailing address, don’t forget the physical address in 2B. Also, use the correct two-letter state code and full city name. An address that doesn’t validate (e.g., missing apartment number or wrong ZIP) can lead to CBP follow-up.
- Failing to Sign and Date: It sounds basic, but a form without a signature or date is invalid. If you’re printing to sign, use a pen with a clear signature and date it. In digital forms, make sure your e-signature appears. Don’t leave the signature box empty assuming an email alone suffices – CBP needs that certification on the form itself.
- Not Responding Timely: Procrastinating on returning the 5106 can hurt you. FedEx typically holds shipments for a limited time. Aim to submit the completed form within a day or two of the request. The longer you wait, the more likely the shipment misses clearance cutoffs or gets flagged for return. Plus, CBP’s processing time (48 hours or so) starts only after they get the form – any delay on your end just prolongs the hold.
- Emailing Errors: If you’re emailing the form to FedEx or CBP, follow the instructions to the letter. Common mistakes include: adding text to the email body (when they asked for none), sending to the wrong email address, or failing to put the tracking number or proper subject line. These can result in your email not being processed by the automated systems. Always review the emailing steps (subject, attachments, no extra info) before hitting send.
- Forgetting to Update Later: Many importers file 5106 once and forget about it. Later, if something changes (you move, change business name, etc.), they continue importing without updating CBP. This might work for a while, but it can lead to inconsistencies or even penalties if CBP finds records outdated. Whenever a significant change happens, submit a new 5106 well before your next shipment. It’s much easier to update proactively than to scramble when a shipment is stuck.
- Using Another’s Importer ID without Filing: Sometimes small importers think they can use FedEx’s importer number or have a supplier handle everything. But FedEx will not act as Importer of Record for you (except in rare mail scenarios). If you’re the recipient and responsible party, you can’t sidestep filing by hoping someone else’s ID is used – unless you formally hire a broker and they use their importer account (which still requires paperwork and power of attorney). Bottom line: assume you need to file your own Form 5106 unless you have explicitly arranged an alternative with a customs broker.
CBP Form 5106 and FedEx Shipments – FAQ
Q: Do I need to file Form 5106 for every FedEx import shipment?
A: No. Once you have filed Form 5106 and obtained an importer number, you do not need to file it for each shipment. It’s a one-time (or infrequent) registration unless your information changes later.
Q: I’m importing a small gift under $100 via FedEx – is Form 5106 still required?
A: It depends on origin. If it’s from a country where the de minimis rule applies (under $800), no form is usually needed for that low-value shipment. But if from China (post-2025 rules) or if customs flags it, you may be asked to file 5106.
Q: Does filing Form 5106 cost anything?
A: No. There is no fee to file CBP Form 5106. It’s a free government form. FedEx and CBP process it without charge – you just need to provide the information. (However, import duties or FedEx advancement fees on the shipment might still apply separately.)
Q: Will FedEx file the Form 5106 on my behalf if I give them my info?
A: Sort of. FedEx (through its customs brokerage team) will submit the form to CBP after you fill it out. You must complete and sign the form yourself because it collects your personal/business details and consent. FedEx cannot fill in your confidential data (like SSN) without you. Once you return the filled form, FedEx transmits it to Customs electronically as a courtesy in clearing your shipment.
Q: I already have an Importer of Record number from a previous import – do I need a new 5106 for FedEx?
A: Not if your existing importer record is up to date. Importer numbers are universal across all ports and carriers. If you imported before and filed a 5106 then, you use the same importer ID now. FedEx may ask for the number or a copy of your prior 5106 if they can’t locate it. If all info is identical, no new filing is needed. (Example: you imported via DHL last year and have an importer number; FedEx can use that record.)
Q: I am a non-U.S. business owner shipping to the U.S. – can I fill Form 5106 without an SSN or EIN?
A: Yes. You can request a CBP-assigned number on the form. Check the box in Section 1E and note the reason (e.g., “No SSN, not a U.S. resident”). You’ll need to provide a personal identification (passport number and maybe your foreign tax ID) in Section 3. CBP will issue you a unique importer number so you can import. This allows foreign entities to comply with U.S. import rules.
Q: How long does it take for CBP to process Form 5106 and activate my importer account?
A: Typically about 1–2 business days after they receive it. In many cases, FedEx’s broker transmits the 5106 and Customs updates the system within 48 hours. During this time your shipment might be on hold. Once active, Customs releases the package. If it’s been more than 3 days with no update, contact FedEx – occasionally a follow-up or correction is needed.
Q: What happens if I don’t submit the Form 5106 when asked?
A: Your shipment will not clear customs. FedEx will be unable to deliver it. After the grace period (usually a few days), the package can be returned to the sender or held until resolved. Non-compliance can also flag you with CBP, complicating future imports. In short, ignoring the 5106 request effectively stops your import transaction.
Q: Do I ever need to re-file Form 5106 or renew it periodically?
A: No routine renewal is required. Once filed, your importer record stays valid indefinitely. You only re-file if you need to update information (like address, name change, new EIN, etc.). One exception: if you never use it, CBP may deactivate the record after some years, in which case you’d submit a new one when you resume importing.
Q: Can I use one Form 5106 for multiple businesses or different import roles?
A: No, each importer identity is unique. The form ties to one name and one identifying number (EIN/SSN/CBP#). If you have multiple businesses, each business (with its own EIN) should file a separate 5106 to have its own importer account. The same person can be the contact for each, but the entities are distinct in CBP’s eyes.
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