Emergency Alert:

Recently, many U.S. importers have received official notices from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stating that their Importer of Record (IOR) numbers will be forcibly deactivated due to discrepancies in submitted information.

This is not an isolated issue—it is part of a new nationwide CBP compliance enforcement campaign with a broad impact.

Please immediately check your inbox (including your spam folder) for emails from:
cee-AAEntry@cbcp.dhs.gov
If you’ve received one, review this notice carefully.

1. What is CBP Investigating?

The focus is simple:

👉 Accuracy & authenticity of IOR information

CBP has identified that many companies submitted incomplete, inconsistent, or unverifiable data in CBP Form 5106, triggering compliance alerts and resulting in deactivation notices.

In plain terms:
👉 The IOR identity you registered is no longer recognized by CBP.

2. What Happens If Your IOR Is Deactivated?

Many assume it’s just a paperwork fix—but the consequences are far more serious:

• ❌ Inability to clear customs — all U.S. import operations come to a halt

• ❌ Cargo delays or holds — shipments in transit may be detained, incurring high demurrage/storage fees

• ❌ Damaged compliance profile — increased likelihood of future inspections

• ❌ Reapplication is complex and time-consuming — severely disrupting your supply chain

👉 This is not minor—it can freeze your entire trade operation.

3. Who Is at Risk?

You should pay close attention if:

• Your IOR information hasn’t been updated for years

• Company name, EIN, or address is inconsistent across records

• Your Form 5106 was improperly completed or missing information

• You relied on a third party but lack proper documentation records

• You previously used personal information that can no longer be verified

👉 Any mismatch during CBP verification can trigger a compliance flag.

4. Final Deadline for Correction

Can this still be fixed?
👉 Yes—but strict deadlines apply.

If you’ve received a notice, you must complete corrections before:

📅 March 20, 2026 (Eastern Time)

Failure to comply by the deadline will result in automatic deactivation without further notice.

Required documents include:

• ✅ Updated and accurate CBP Form 5106

• ✅ Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

• ✅ IRS-issued EIN confirmation letter (e.g., 147C)

• ✅ Properly executed Power of Attorney (POA)

👉 All information must be consistent, verifiable, and free of discrepancies.

5. Recommendations for Importers

1. Conduct an immediate self-audit of your IOR records

2. Do not delay if you receive a CBP notice—act immediately

3. Ensure all submitted information is accurate and consistent

4. Work with a professional customs broker or compliance team

5. Allow sufficient time—do not wait until the last day