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Do Foreign Importers Need an EIN to Import Into the U.S.?

Foreign importers do not need an EIN to import into the U.S. Foreign importers will be assigned a CAIN instead.

No, you do not need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) to import into the U.S. If you are importing to the U.S. as a foreign importer of record (you do not have a U.S. entity or presence) and you do not have an EIN, Flexport can apply for a CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number) on your behalf. A CAIN is assigned to importers who don’t have an EIN. If importing into the U.S. with a CAIN, a U.S. business will need to be named as an ultimate consignee.

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