A CAIN, or Customs Assigned Importer Number, is an identification number issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to an importer that does not have a standard U.S. tax identification number such as an EIN or Social Security number. It is often used by foreign companies or individuals acting as the Importer of Record for shipments entering the United States. A CAIN helps CBP identify the importer in customs entries, bonds, duty payments, and compliance records.
A CAIN is a unique identification number assigned by CBP to importers who do not have a U.S. Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Assigned to foreign companies importing without a U.S. tax identification number
- Requested through the customs broker during the first entry
- Serves as the importer’s permanent CBP identifier once assigned
Most established U.S. businesses use their EIN rather than a CAIN.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on CBP, Customs Entry, Importer of Record, and Customs Bond.
