A CBP-Assigned Number is essential for businesses engaging in international trade, especially for foreign non-US-based importers, serving as a unique identifier with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Let's explore a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your CBP-Assigned Number in real-time with zero cost using pCustoms. Whether you’re registering a new importer or updating your entity information, this process ensures quick and seamless compliance with CBP regulations.
Step 1: Go to the Commercial Entities module
Click on the "Directory" drop-down at the left:
Then, click on "Commercial Entities":
Step 2: Open the entity profile
Click on the entity name to which you want to get a CBP-assigned number to open the entity profile:
Step 3: Fill out the profile details
Now, you need to fill out the details needed to request a CBP-assigned number, which is:
New CBP assigned importer number reason code
Contact person name
Contact person's date of birth
Phone number
Email address
Click the "Edit" button at the bottom to make the form fields editable:
Once you have entered all the field data mentioned above, just click on "Save":
Step 4: Submit the request to CBP
Click on the "Apply for CBP Number" button at the bottom to send the request to CBP:
Step 5: Review and confirm the CBP status
It may take 4-5 seconds for CBP's system to process your request. To ensure you have the latest data fetched from CBP, click on "Latest Query History":
Then, click on the latest "Event ID" to see the status message:
You will see a message from CBP in the below format:
If your submission is rejected by CBP, please update your entity profile according to the error message from CBP, and then re-submit your application for a CBP-assigned number. If you keep facing issues, please contact us via chat.
Step 6: Update your entity profile with your new CBP Assigned Number
If your request is accepted by CBP and you have received your importer number, please be sure to update your entity profile so we can use the same number on all your new filings with CBP.
First, click the "Edit" button to make the form fields editable in your entity profile:
Then, go to the "CBP Importer Identification Type" field and choose "CBP Assigned Importer Number":
Now, in the "CBP Assigned Importer Number - CAIN" field, you need to enter the number in the format you received from CBP (YYDDPP-NNNNN) in the event status message above.
Then, just click on "Save":
Applying for a CBP-Assigned Number using pCustoms is a quick and hassle-free process that allows businesses, especially foreign importers, to obtain their unique identifier with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) instantly. By filling out the required details, submitting the request, and reviewing the CBP status, users can efficiently secure their CBP-Assigned Number in real time. If approved, updating the entity profile ensures smooth future filings. In case of errors, the system provides feedback for corrections and resubmission, ensuring seamless compliance with CBP regulations.