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Why Does a U.S. Business Need to Act as Ultimate Consignee for a Foreign Importer?
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Foreign importers importing into the U.S. need a U.S. business to act as the Ultimate Consignee, even if you have an EIN or a CAIN.
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The ultimate consignee (the final recipient of the shipment) of U.S. imports must have a U.S. address and tax ID number, per Customs Directive 3550-079A.
If you have an EIN but your business is registered in a country other than the U.S., then you will need to name a U.S. business to act as the ultimate consignee of your shipment. The ultimate consignee will be the party who is receiving your goods at the final destination, such as a warehouse or your end customer.
If you are importing into the U.S. as a Foreign Importer of Record (you do not have a U.S. entity or presence) and you have a CAIN, then you will need to name a U.S. business to act as the ultimate consignee of your shipment. The ultimate consignee will be the party who is receiving your goods at the final destination, such as a warehouse or your end customer.
