CBP Updates its "Voided Importer Record FAQs"
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has revised its frequently asked questions (FAQ) document entitled "Voided Importer Record FAQs" that was issued in 2006, in order to update its instructions, among other things, on reactivating an importer record that was voided by CBP, or requesting that an incorrect importer number be voided.
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Most FAQs Revised or Expanded
Most of the FAQs are revised, expanded, or reorganized. The new set of FAQs is provided below, with substantive changes underlined:
1. Why does CBP void importer records?
Importer records may be voided for the following reasons:
- Duplicate records are on file with CBP;
- The importer’s Social Security number or Employer Identification number cannot be verified with the appropriate government agency (Social Security Administration or Internal Revenue Service respectively);
- The importer, their authorized agent (with a valid Power-of-Attorney), or local CBP Officer has requested that the record be voided;
- CBP has received returned (undeliverable) mail when attempting to contact the importer via the US Postal Service; or
- Failure to respond to CBP requests sent to the name and address listed on the importer record.
2. Where can I find the regulations and policies applicable to importer records?
19 CFR 24.5, CBP Directive 5610-002A, and the instructions located on the backside of the CBP 5106 form (Importer ID Input Record).
3. How do I reactivate an importer record that has been voided by CBP?
Email a completed CBP 5106 along with a valid importer record proof and Power-of-Attorney (if 5106 is signed by an Attorney-in-Fact) to cbp.bondquestions@dhs.gov. The subject line should state “Voided Importer Record”. ( CBP Form 5106 -- Importer ID Input Record )
Relative to the type of importer record number, the following documents are acceptable proof:
Social Security Number -- A copy of the importer’s Social Security card (front & back). Or submit a copy of the front page of the importer’s most recent tax return.
EIN -- Any document received from the U.S. Department of Treasury, i.e. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), within the last 12 months that reflects the proper Employee Identification Number and company name. Examples of IRS tax documentation include the following: 147C, 1040, 2363, 941/941V, SS-4, 1065, 8109/8109C, 7004, 355-ES, 1096, 1120/1120S, etc. You can call 1-800-829-0115 in order to obtain EIN verification (form 147C) if necessary.
Note: W-9s, SS-4s, State documents, and any documentation submitted to the IRS are generally not sufficient proof for an EIN.
CBP Assigned Number -- As there is currently no documentation provided by CBP when it issues a CBP-assigned number, so only the completed CBP 5106 form and valid Power-of-Attorney, if signing on behalf of an importer, are required.
4. How long will it take to process my request to reinstate a voided importer record?
Allow at least 1 -- 2 business days to process an application to reinstate a voided importer record.
5. Will CBP contact me once my importer record is reactivated?
No. We do not contact importers or agents once an importer record is reactivated (unless there is a problem, such as a reject). If you do not receive correspondence from a CBP representative within 2 business days after submitting your 5106 and supporting documents, please query CBP systems to validate that the importer record has been reactivated. A CBP representative will contact you if there is an issue regarding the documents you submitted for reactivation. You are responsible for contacting any applicable parties to resume shipping/receiving activities after your importer record is reactivated.
6. What if I have further questions about my voided importer record?
Contact the Voids hotline at (317) 614-4960 and leave a voicemail. A CBP representative will respond within 1-2 business days.
7. Should ALL importer record inquiries be directed to the above-listed fax and phone numbers
No. Any licensed Customs broker with ABI or ACE access can determine the current information on file with CBP for a given importer number.
8. How do I make a request to have old, incorrect, or obsolete importer numbers voided?
Email your request, including a reason for the void request, to cbp.bondquestions@dhs.gov . If you are requesting a void as an Attorney-in-Fact on behalf of an importer, you will also need to provide a current Power-of-Attorney.
If you are attempting to reactivate an inactive importer record, please note that any licensed Customs broker with ABI access may accomplish this by retransmitting the data to CBP.
If you are attempting to change or otherwise update an existing importer record for an importer that is not listed on a valid continuous bond, please contact your local service port for assistance. (Local Service Port Contact Listing)
If you wish to update an importer record that is listed on a valid continuous bond, please submit a completed CBP 5106 form along with an address or name change bond rider via email to cbp.bondquestions@dhs.gov .
(See ITT's Online Archives or 09/15/06 news, 06091510, for BP summary of 2006 version of FAQ.).