What is an Importer of Record (IOR)?
The Importer of Record (IOR) is the party legally responsible for ensuring that goods entering the U.S. comply with all import laws and regulations.
Importer of Record Responsibilities
The IOR is accountable for customs compliance. The process involves filing entry documents, paying duties and taxes, and ensuring the shipment meets regulatory requirements before release. The Importer of Record must also have a valid identifier in the United States, such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or a CBP-assigned importer number. Foreign companies that want to act as the IOR must appoint a U.S. agent and meet CBP bond requirements, ensuring that someone within U.S. jurisdiction can be held accountable.
Importer of Record (IOR) vs. Consignee
Sometimes the IOR and consignee are the same party, such as the buyer of the goods. In international trade and shipping, however, their responsibilities are not the same.
The Importer of Record is the entity legally accountable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, responsible for compliance, documentation, duty payments, and recordkeeping. By contrast, the consignee is the named recipient of the shipment, whose primary role is to take delivery once customs clearance is complete.