CBP Voids Importer Numbers in Enforcement Crackdown, Threatening Cross-Border Freight

U.S. Customs and Border Protection began voiding importer-of-record (IOR) numbers containing inaccurate or incomplete information on Friday, September 18, 2026, an enforcement action that could block affected companies from clearing U.S.-bound freight and leave cargo stranded at ports of entry. The crackdown applies to existing and new importers. Once voided, an IOR number cannot be used for any purpose, including making entry into the United States. CBP announced the enhanced enforcement in an August 19 Federal Register notice as part of a broader identity-verification effort, reviewing information submitted on Form 5106. CBP has not disclosed how many importer numbers have been voided. The agency sends written notification to the importer's most recent email address and copies the customs broker that last filed an entry. No warning or correction period is described; importers may seek reestablishment only after CBP acts. Potentially exposed arrangements include nonresident importers listing a U.S. broker's address, foreign sellers acting as importers of record in delivered-duty-paid transactions, and e-commerce sellers using third-party fulfillment centers. Affected cargo may accrue port-related costs while numbers are restored.