Industry Guide
EIN for Import Export Business Guide
Import/export businesses need an EIN for customs clearance, freight forwarding, and international banking. Non-US residents apply with a passport, no SSN required. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Import/export businesses get a US EIN by submitting IRS Form SS-4 to the IRS. The EIN identifies your business to US Customs and Border Protection, banks, and freight forwarders. Non-US residents enter a passport number on Line 7b, with no SSN required. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN. ein.so prepares your SS-4 and faxes it to 855-215-1627. Standard costs $49 (4-7 business days). Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
An import/export business moves goods across US borders. Customs clearance, importer-of-record filings, customs bonds, freight forwarder accounts, and international wire transfers all require a single business identifier. For a US LLC or corporation, that identifier is the EIN. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) treats the EIN as the importer identification number for entities. This guide explains when an import/export business needs an EIN, how non-US residents apply without an SSN, the exact Form SS-4 fields to complete, and the customs and tax steps that follow approval.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| IRS EIN fee | $0 |
| ein.so Standard | $49 (4-7 business days) |
| ein.so Express | $97 (2-3 business days) |
| Form filed | IRS Form SS-4 |
| IRS EIN fax number | 855-215-1627 |
| Non-resident ID | Passport number on Line 7b |
| Online IRS tool | Requires an SSN |
Do You Need
Do Import/Export Businesses Need an EIN?
Import/export businesses operating as a US LLC or corporation need an EIN. CBP requires an importer of record to carry an identification number, and the EIN fills that role for a US entity. Sole proprietors can sometimes use an SSN, but an EIN protects personal data on customs and banking forms.
| Situation | EIN Needed? |
|---|---|
| Import/export LLC | Yes (required) |
| Import/export corporation | Yes (required) |
| Sole proprietor importer with SSN | Recommended |
| Non-US resident with a US LLC | Yes (required) |
| Business with US employees | Yes (required) |
| Personal one-time shipment | No |
Why Import/Export Businesses Get an EIN
- Customs clearance — CBP and customs brokers require an importer identification number
- Customs bonds — surety companies reference your EIN on continuous and single-entry bonds
- Business banking — open a business bank account to pay duties and suppliers
- Freight forwarder accounts — forwarders and 3PLs set up accounts under your EIN
- Privacy — keep your SSN off invoices, W-9s, and commercial documents
- Tax compliance — required on US business tax and information returns
See who needs an EIN for the complete eligibility breakdown.
How to Get
How Do You Get an EIN for an Import/Export Business?
You get an EIN by filing IRS Form SS-4 with the IRS. US residents with an SSN use the instant online tool. Non-US residents fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 with a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS charges $0, and most correct filings return an EIN within 4-7 business days.
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS online | Instant | $0 | Yes |
| IRS fax | 4-7 days | $0 | No |
| ein.so Standard | 4-7 days | $49 | No |
| ein.so Express | 2-3 days | $97 | No |
The online tool blocks applicants without an SSN. That blocks most non-resident importers and exporters. The fax method is the working path. ein.so prepares the SS-4, faxes it, and emails your EIN assignment letter (CP 575). See the full EIN application process and EIN processing time.
Best Business Structure for an Import/Export Business
Most import/export operators choose one of two structures:
- Single-member LLC — liability protection, US business identity, enables banking and customs accounts
- C-corporation — used when raising US capital or holding US investors
A US LLC gives you a US business address and a legal entity to attach the EIN to. You form it online from outside the United States. See EIN for non-residents and EIN without an SSN.
Step-by-Step
How Do Non-Residents Apply for an Import/Export EIN?
Non-residents apply by faxing IRS Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627, using a passport number in place of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the path for non-resident importers and exporters. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days.
Form Your US LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
Import/Export SS-4 Field Guide
| SS-4 Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name |
| Line 4 (Address) | Your mailing address |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number |
| Line 10 (Reason) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | "Wholesale," "Import," or "Export" |
| Line 17 (Products) | Describe the goods you trade |
A common rejection cause is malformed international address formatting that the IRS silently discards. ein.so reformats your address to an IRS-accepted style. See the SS-4 form guide for line-by-line detail.
Customs
How Does an Import/Export Business Use an EIN for Customs Clearance?
An import/export business uses its EIN as the importer of record identification number with US Customs and Border Protection. CBP and customs brokers reference the EIN on entry summaries, customs bonds, and ACE filings. Without an EIN, shipments face clearance delays at the port of entry.
Importer of Record ID
Customs Bond
Customs Broker Accounts
Freight Forwarders and 3PL
Customs filing rules are specific and change. Confirm importer of record, bond amounts, and ACE requirements with a licensed customs broker. ein.so files your EIN and does not provide customs or legal advice.
Banking & Payments
How Does an Import/Export Business Use Its EIN for Banking and Payments?
An import/export business uses its EIN to open a US business bank account and connect international payment rails. Banks require the EIN to fund duty payments, pay overseas suppliers, and receive customer payments. Mercury, Relay, and Wise approve many non-resident LLC owners remotely.
US Business Bank Account
International Wires to Suppliers
Wise for Multi-Currency
Card Payments from Buyers
Together, a US LLC, an EIN, and a US bank account let you pay suppliers, fund customs duties, and collect from buyers under one business identity. See EIN without an SSN for the non-resident banking path.
Tax Considerations
What Should an Import/Export Business Know About US Taxes?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. Customs duties are separate from income tax and are paid to CBP on imported goods. ein.so handles the EIN only and does not give tax advice.
US Filing: Form 5472 + 1120
Customs Duties and Tariffs
Sales Tax on US Sales
BOI Report to FinCEN
Work with a licensed customs broker for tariffs and a US CPA for income tax and sales tax. Your EIN is the starting point for US customs and tax compliance. See EIN cost and EIN for non-residents for more.
Comparison
How Does an Import/Export EIN Compare to Other IDs?
An EIN identifies your US business to the IRS, CBP, and banks. It differs from a customs bond, an ITIN, and a foreign business registration number. The EIN is the federal tax ID; the others serve customs, individual tax, and home-country roles.
| Identifier | Issued By | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | IRS | US business tax ID and importer ID | $0 (ein.so $49) |
| ITIN | IRS | Individual tax ID for non-residents | $0 (ein.so $197) |
| Customs bond | Surety company | Guarantees duty payment to CBP | Varies |
| Foreign company number | Home country | Home-country registration | Varies |
An ITIN identifies a person, not a business. ein.so files an ITIN for $197 Standard or $297 Express when an owner needs personal US tax identification. The EIN identifies the entity that imports or exports the goods. Most import/export operators need the EIN first.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN for Import/Export
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- Set up customs accounts — give your EIN to your customs broker and freight forwarder
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Confirm tariffs — work with a licensed customs broker on duty classification
More guides: How to get an EIN | EIN without an SSN | EIN for non-residents | SS-4 form guide | EIN processing time | EIN cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Do import/export businesses need an EIN?
Yes, if the business operates as a US LLC or corporation. US Customs and Border Protection requires an importer identification number, and the EIN serves this role for entities. Sole proprietors can sometimes use an SSN, but an EIN separates business and personal tax identities. ein.so files Form SS-4 for non-residents for $49.
Can a non-US resident get an EIN for an import/export business?
Yes. A non-US resident with a US LLC gets an EIN by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627. You enter your passport number on Line 7b; no SSN or ITIN is needed. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents use the fax method. ein.so handles this for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Does US Customs require an EIN to import goods?
US Customs and Border Protection requires an importer of record to have an identification number. For a US business entity, the EIN serves as this number. Customs brokers ask for your EIN before filing entry documents. Without an EIN, your shipments face clearance delays at the port. Confirm specific CBP filing rules with a licensed customs broker.
How long does it take to get an EIN for an import/export business?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days for $49 and Express takes 2-3 business days for $97. The DIY fax method takes 4-7 business days when Form SS-4 is error-free. The IRS online tool issues an EIN instantly but requires an SSN, which blocks most non-resident importers and exporters.
How much does an EIN cost for an import/export business?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. The fee is the same regardless of industry. ein.so charges $49 for Standard filing assistance and $97 for Express. The cost covers Form SS-4 preparation, IRS fax submission, and delivery of your EIN by email. See the full EIN cost breakdown for details.
Do I need an EIN to open a freight forwarder or customs broker account?
Yes. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and 3PL providers require your EIN to set up an account and file entry summaries on your behalf. The EIN identifies your business to CBP and the carrier. Banks also require your EIN to open the business account that funds your shipping and duty payments. See EIN for a bank account.
Can I use my EIN to apply for a customs bond?
Yes. A continuous customs bond and single-entry bonds reference your business EIN as the importer of record identification. Surety companies that issue customs bonds ask for your EIN during underwriting. The bond guarantees payment of duties and taxes to CBP. Confirm bond amounts and requirements with a licensed customs broker.
Does a foreign-owned import/export LLC file extra IRS forms?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. This is an information return reporting transactions between the LLC and its foreign owner. Most US LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Confirm your filing duties with a US CPA.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN for importing or exporting?
No. Non-US residents do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. Your passport number goes on Form SS-4 Line 7b as your taxpayer identification. The IRS issues the EIN to your US LLC or corporation. The online IRS tool requires an SSN, so non-residents file by fax. ein.so manages the fax process for $49.
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