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FAQ

Foreign Import of Record (FIOR) - FAQs

 

1: What is a Foreign Importer of Record (FIOR)?

 

A Foreign Importer of Record refers to a company headquartered outside the United States that can legally import goods into the U.S. under its own name without having a U.S. subsidiary.

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Such companies can:

  • Apply for a U.S. Customs Importer Number

  • Purchase a Customs Bond

  • Appoint a licensed U.S. Customs Broker to clear goods

  • Pay duties and taxes directly to U.S. Customs

 

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2: Can a foreign company import without a U.S. office?

 

Yes. A foreign company may apply for an Importer Number and import under its overseas business identity.

 

Typical situations include:

  • Selling goods to the U.S. under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms

  • Cross-border e-commerce or direct sales models

  • Testing the U.S. market before setting up a subsidiary

 

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3: What documents are required for registration?

 

  • Company business license or registration certificate (English version or translation)

  • Company address and contact information (no P.O. boxes)

  • Power of Attorney (POA) authorizing the broker

  • Customs Bond (Continuous Bond)

  • CBP Form 5106 (Importer Information Form)

 

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4. How to apply for an Importer Number?

 

  1. Select an experienced U.S. Customs Broker (such as East-West Associates).

  2. Complete CBP Form 5106.

  3. Provide a business license, proof of address, and officer identification.

  4. The broker submits your application to U.S. Customs.

  5. The Importer Number is issued in 1–2 business days.

  6. Purchase a Customs Bond.

  7. Start importing under your company’s name.

 

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5. What is a Customs Bond?

 

A Customs Bond is a financial guarantee required by U.S. Customs to ensure that importers pay duties, taxes, and comply with regulations.

  • Annual Continuous Bond – Valid for 12 months and covers all shipments within that period.

 

Typical bond fee: USD $650–$800 per year for small to mid-size importers.

 

Foreign companies only need to provide their business license and officer ID to purchase a bond through their broker.


 

6. What if I don’t have a U.S. address?

 

You may use your broker’s address as a “c/o” mailing address to receive official Customs correspondence. This is fully compliant and accepted by U.S. Customs (CBP).


 

7. How are duties and taxes paid?

 

Your broker can help you open a PMS (Periodic Monthly Statement) account, which offers:

  • One monthly consolidated duty payment (usually due on the 15th of the following month)

  • Reduced payment frequency and administrative burden

  • Full control by the importer

 

Payment method:

  • You may pay U.S. Customs directly through your PMS account.

 

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8. Key Advantages

 

  • No need to form a U.S. company

  • Full control of DDP shipping and pricing

  • Direct delivery to GWI warehouse

  • Simplified compliance and record management

  • Ability to test the market before expansion


 

9. Compliance Requirements

 

  • Correctly declare the HTS code (tariff classification)

  • Maintain import records for five years

  • Ensure proper Country of Origin marking (Made in…)

  • Pay duties on time and respond to CBP document requests


 

10. How long does registration take?

 

Usually 3–5 business days:

  • 1–2 days for number issuance

  • 1 day for bond activation

  • 1–2 days for system setup

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11. Who can assist?

 

East-West Associates, Inc.

Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (FDA registered | FTZ certified)

Los Angeles, CA & New Jersey

 

Services include:

  • FIOR registration (CBP Form 5106)

  • Customs Bond application

  • Customs clearance & compliance management

  • FTZ warehouse and duty deferral services


 

12. Are there any fees?

 

Yes. Service fees apply, typically USD $400–$600.


 

13. Is the Bond Fee a deposit?

 

No. The Bond Fee is not a deposit but an annual insurance-type service fee.

It is paid to a licensed U.S. surety company to guarantee that the importer fulfills all duties, taxes, and compliance obligations. Once the bond is filed and activated, the fee is non-refundable, even if the importer stops exporting during the year. In short, the bond fee is an annual insurance premium, not a refundable deposit.


 

Contact Information:

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Diane Xing

East-West Associates, Inc.

Licensed U.S. Customs Broker | Los Angeles, CA & New Jersey

Email: dianex@2eastwest.com

 

© 2025 East-West Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

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