---
title: "CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number)"
description: "A CAIN is a Customs Assigned Importer Number. If an importer is importing into the U.S. as a foreign importer of record and they do not have an EIN, Flexport can apply for a CAIN on their behalf."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/customs-assigned-importer-number/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:07Z
topics:
  - "Customs & Compliance"
  - "Customs Brokerage"
---

# CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number)

A CAIN is a Customs Assigned Importer Number. If an importer is importing into the U.S. as a foreign importer of record and they do not have an EIN, Flexport can apply for a CAIN on their behalf.

## What is a CAIN?

A CAIN is a Customs Assigned Importer Number. If an importer is importing into the U.S. as [a foreign importer of record](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/foreign-importer-of-record/) and they do not have an EIN, Flexport can apply for a CAIN on their behalf.

Foreign importers of record importing into the U.S. without an EIN will need a CAIN.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/customs-assigned-importer-number/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/customs-assigned-importer-number/) for AI/LLM consumption.*