CBP Seeks Comments on Revised Importer ID Form Requesting Corporate Details

CBP is seeking public comment on a number of proposed revisions to the Importer ID Input Record (Form 5106), the agency said in a notice (here). The proposed updates to the form, which is also being renamed to "Create/Update Importer Identity Form," marks a long-discussed step toward improving the data the agency collects on importers (see 12100512). The update is also significant in that the Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations Role of the Broker working group said last year it would hold off on developing recommendations for bona fides collections until the updated Form 5106 was released due to likely overlaps (see 13111801). Comments are due Dec. 8.

The proposed revisions to the form would ask for additional information about the company and its officers. "This will enhance CBP’s ability to make an informative assessment of risk prior to the initial importation, and will provide CBP with improved awareness regarding the company and its officers who have chosen to conduct business with CBP," it said. "CBP is also requesting that the company officers whose information will be submitted on this form have importing and financial business knowledge of the company, and that they have the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the company."

CBP proposes to add a number of new data elements to the form, including:

• If you are an importer, how many entries do you plan on filing in a year?
• How will the identification number be utilized?
• Program Code (for future use)
• Type of address (for mailing address)
• Type of address (for physical location)
• Website
• A brief business description.
• The 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this business.
• The Dun and Bradstreet Number for the Importer.
• The filer code if submitting as a broker/self-filer.
• Year established
• Primary Banking Institution
• Certificate or Articles of Incorporation -- (Locator I.D.)
• Certificate or Articles of Incorporation -- (Reference Number)
  • Business Structure/Company Officers
  • Company Position Title
  • Social Security Number
  • Passport Number
  • Passport Country of Issuance
  • Passport Expiration Date
  • Passport Type
• Broker Name
• Broker Telephone Number

The "detailed information will provide CBP with a greater knowledge about the company and its previous business practices," said CBP.

Revised Form Expected to Increase Burden Hours

CBP estimated 300,000 total annual responses for Form 5106, with each response estimated to take 30 minutes, up from 15 minutes for the current form. CBP estimated the total burden hours will be 150,000, up from 75,000.

Comments Requested on Ways to Minimize Burden, Etc.

CBP is asking for comments from the general public and other federal agencies on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs burden to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (a total of capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs).

CBP Contact -- Tracey Denning (202) 325-0265

(Federal Register 10/09/14)