An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS to businesses and other entities in the United States. In logistics and international trade, an EIN may be used to identify an importer, exporter, company, or account holder for tax, customs, banking, payroll, and compliance purposes. U.S. businesses may need an EIN when opening accounts, filing taxes, hiring employees, applying for permits, or completing import and export documentation. For customs purposes, the EIN is the primary importer identification number used in CBP‘s ACE system.
- Required on all formal customs entries
- Used to establish the importer’s trade history and compliance record in ACE
- Foreign companies without a U.S. EIN must obtain a CAIN from CBP
- Ensure the EIN on all customs entries matches the legal name registered with the IRS
Related terms: Customs Entry, Importer of Record.
