Securing Your Importer Record: The CBP IRN Freeze Program
Protecting your business from unauthorized changes to your Importer Record Number (IRN) is critical for maintaining secure, compliant import operations. Participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) voluntary Freeze Program ensures that only designated, authorized individuals within your company can update your company’s name or address on record.
Why Enroll in the Freeze Program?
Enhanced Fraud Prevention: Restricts who can modify your IRN details with CBP.
Centralized Oversight: Once frozen, updates can only be processed by CBP’s Surety Bonds & Accounts Team (SBAT) upon receiving a CBP Form 5106 signed by your authorized representative.
Complete Control: You decide exactly which designated titles or positions hold updating authority.
How to Join or Leave the Program
To opt in or out, submit a formal request on company letterhead signed by an authorized importer of record or designated agent.
Required Letter Details:
Statement referencing U.S. Customs Regulation 19 CFR 24.5 (f) (noting a request to enter or remove your account from the Freeze Program).
The specific IRNs and suffixes to freeze or unfreeze.
Names and titles/positions of authorized company individuals.
Primary physical and mailing addresses for official Customs notifications.
Submission Details
Submit your completed letter directly to CBP’s Surety Bonds & Accounts Team via email or standard mail:
Email: bondquestions@cbp.dhs.gov (Use subject line: Frozen IR #XX-XXXXXXXX)
Mail:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Attn: Surety Bonds & Accounts Team
8899 E 56th St
Indianapolis, IN 46249
Navigating Customs regulations can be complex, but you don't have to manage it alone. If you need assistance drafting your request letter or managing your IRN security, contact GRF Customs today for expert support.
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