---
title: "Do Foreign Importers Need an EIN to Import Into the U.S.?"
description: "Foreign importers don't need an EIN to import into the US; Flexport can apply for a CAIN instead, which requires a US ultimate consignee."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/foreign-importer-ein/
lifecycle: live
---

# Do Foreign Importers Need an EIN to Import Into the U.S.?

No, you do not need an [EIN (Employer Identification Number)](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/employer-identification-number) to import into the U.S. If you are importing to the U.S. as a [foreign importer of record](https://www.flexport.com/help/176-not-based-in-the-u-s-importing-as-a-foreign-importer-of-record) (you do not have a U.S. entity or presence) and you do not have an EIN, Flexport can apply for a CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number) on your behalf. A CAIN is assigned to importers who don’t have an EIN. If importing into the U.S. with a CAIN, a [U.S. business will need to be named as an ultimate consignee](https://www.flexport.com/help/405-foreign-importer-ultimate-consignee).

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*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/foreign-importer-ein/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/foreign-importer-ein/) for AI/LLM consumption.*