---
title: "Do Foreign Importers Need an EIN to Import Into the U.S.?"
description: "Foreign importers don't need an EIN to import into the US; Flexport can apply for a CAIN instead, which requires a US ultimate consignee."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/help/foreign-importer-ein/
lifecycle: live
author:
  - "Flexport Editorial"
publishedAt: 2018-01-31T17:07:35.764Z
dateModified: 2026-07-31T03:22:14Z
readingTimeMinutes: 1
topics:
  - "Simplify Customs"
  - "Cross-border Expansion"
  - "North America"
  - "Customs Brokerage"
---

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

No, you do not need an [EIN (Employer Identification Number)](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/employer-identification-number/) to import into the U.S. If you are importing to the U.S. as a [foreign importer of record](https://www.flexport.com/help/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](https://www.flexport.com/help/foreign-importer-ultimate-consignee/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/help/foreign-importer-ein/](https://www.flexport.com/help/foreign-importer-ein/) for AI/LLM consumption.*