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Beginning September 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will enforce stricter verification of Importer of Record (IOR) information. IOR numbers will be immediately voided if maintained information is found inaccurate or outdated.
SEKO continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
WHAT'S THE LATEST
Beginning September 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin enhanced enforcement of Importer of Record (IOR) information. IOR numbers will be immediately voided if CBP determines the maintained information is inaccurate or no longer current.
This action follows Executive Order 14411, "Strengthening Customs Enforcement," signed on June 3, 2026, which directs CBP to strengthen importer identification and compliance requirements.
Importers should review their information on file with CBP before September 18 to avoid disruptions to future entry filings.
WHAT WE KNOW
CBP is reviewing information submitted by importers, including:
Physical address — the company's actual business location, not a P.O. Box, mail drop, or third-party address.
Mailing address — an address where the company actively monitors and receives mail.
Phone number — a valid, working number for the company.
Email address — an email address owned and actively monitored by the company, not a broker or other third party.
If CBP determines that an IOR's information is inaccurate or incomplete, the IOR number may be voided and cannot be used for any purpose, including making entry. This could result in shipment delays, additional CBP inquiries, or other disruptions to cargo clearance.
SEKO'S GUIDANCE
SEKO recommends that importers:
1. Review information in the ACE Secure Data Portal
Confirm all information associated with each IOR is accurate, complete, and directly associated with the IOR. If updates are needed:
Log in to your ACE account.
Navigate to the "Addresses" tab to review both physical and mailing addresses.
Update both addresses as needed. The physical address section includes options to update contact information.
Importers should review all information directly in ACE, including phone numbers and email addresses, as SEKO doesn't have visibility into these fields. SEKO can submit a CBP Form 5106 update on an importer's behalf when appropriate; however, CBP may require additional validation of contact information, business address, or business registration.
2. Establish an ACE account
If you do not already have one, establish an ACE account to review your CBP information directly. Instructions for applying are available through CBP.
3. Notify SEKO of legal entity changes
Notify your SEKO representative immediately if an IOR undergoes a legal entity name change or receives a new EIN/IRS number. These changes require a new organization to be established within SEKO's systems, along with a new Power of Attorney (POA). Address changes alone do not require a new POA.
SEKO continues to monitor CBP's implementation of these enhanced enforcement measures. If you have questions or need assistance reviewing the potential impact on your imports, please reach out to your SEKO representative or email us at hello@sekologistics.com.
About SEKO Logistics
Built on nearly 50 years of logistics expertise, SEKO Logistics is the no-nonsense global end-to-end logistics partner – from shipper to consumer. SEKO delivers client-first service, expert reliability, and tech-driven shipping solutions that turn supply chains into a competitive differentiator. With over 150 offices in more than 60 countries, SEKO helps you move at the speed of global commerce.
Learn more at www.sekologistics.com
